The Ministry of Railways has announced a massive infrastructure plan to eliminate traffic congestion at railway crossings across Bihar. Under this initiative, 219 Road Over Bridges (ROBs) and Road Under Bridges (RUBs) will be constructed at various level crossings. For the financial year 2025-26, the ministry has already granted approval for 78 of these bridges. This move is expected to provide significant relief to commuters and local businesses by ensuring smooth traffic flow.
Which major railway projects have been approved in Bihar?
Several high-value projects are part of this expansion to improve connectivity and safety. The central government is focusing on funding these projects to ensure they are completed without financial hurdles from the state. Significant investments are being made in various divisions and sections to modernize the rail network in Bihar.
| Project Details | Estimated Cost / Status |
|---|---|
| Total ROBs/RUBs Planned | 219 Projects |
| Bridges Approved for 2025-26 | 78 Bridges |
| Bihar Annual Railway Budget (2025-26) | ₹10,066 Crore |
| Katihar Division ROB | ₹177 Crore |
| Sonepur-Chhapra Section ROB | ₹124.78 Crore |
| Bhagalpur Rail Bypass | ₹647.58 Crore |
How will this impact daily commuters and the local economy?
The construction of these bridges will directly benefit students, traders, and daily passengers who often get stuck at level crossings. By removing these bottlenecks, travel time between major towns will be reduced, and the risk of accidents at railway crossings will be minimized. Furthermore, the increased budget of ₹10,066 crore for Bihar’s railway infrastructure will support local economic activities by creating jobs and improving the movement of goods across the state.
- Traffic Relief: 219 crossings will no longer cause road traffic jams.
- Safety First: Replacing level crossings with bridges significantly improves passenger safety.
- Central Funding: Most of these projects, including the 217 approved in late 2025, are fully funded by the Central Government.
- Future Planning: Proposals for a second four-lane rail bridge in Koilwar are also under consideration.