Patna Junction Relief: New Neora-Daniyawan Bypass Ready
The 42-km Neora-Daniyawan rail bypass will reduce Patna Junction congestion by 20% and redirect Delhi-Howrah route trains.
Indian Railways is set to transform travel on the busy Delhi-Howrah route with the commissioning of the Neora-Daniyawan rail bypass. This strategic infrastructure project is expected to reduce rail traffic congestion at Patna Junction by approximately 20 percent, significantly easing operational bottlenecks and saving valuable travel time for passengers.
High-Speed Approval and Operations
The 42-kilometer-long Neora-Daniyawan project has reached a major milestone following the official activation of the 20-kilometer Neora-Jatdumri rail section. On October 8, 2026, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) conducted successful speed trials, reaching up to 120 kilometers per hour. Following these successful inspections, the CRS has granted formal approval for train operations, with traffic expected to commence on the Neora-Jatdumri line starting October 15, 2026.
The project was implemented in phases, with the first phase—the 22.74-kilometer Jatdumri-Daniyawan section—already completed. The Danapur division has been spearheading the implementation of this vital bypass.
Strategic Rerouting of Trains
According to Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) of the East Central Railway, the new bypass is specifically designed to alleviate the immense pressure on the heavily congested Danapur-Patna-Kiul-Jhajha route.
The rerouting will impact several types of traffic:
- Express Trains: Several express trains on the Delhi-Howrah route will be redirected away from Patna Junction.
- Freight Traffic: Freight trains originating from Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction, Ara, or Buxar will no longer need to pass through the crowded Patna Junction.
Instead, these trains will be diverted via Neora to Jatdumri, reaching Daniyawan Junction before proceeding toward Bihar Sharif, Barbigha, Sheikhpura, and Kiul.
Infrastructure and Regional Impact
To support this new route, significant infrastructure enhancements have been made along the 20-kilometer Neora-Jatdumri section. This includes the construction of the new Gonpura station and the addition of three strategic halts at Adhpa, Chamuchak, and Bajidpur.
This project is projected to provide more efficient, safe, and cost-effective rail transport for approximately 5 million residents across the Patna, Nalanda, and Sheikhpura districts. By diverting traffic, the bypass also creates much-needed additional capacity for passenger train services on the main line.