Indian Railways is working on the Silli-Ilu bypass rail line to make travel between Ranchi and Kolkata faster. This project will remove the need for trains to change engine direction at Muri Junction. Once finished, passengers will save about 45 minutes on their journey to Kolkata and Tatanagar.
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What is the current status of the Silli-Ilu bypass project
As of June 11, 2026, about 50% of the construction work is complete on the available land. The total length of this bypass is 6 km. A new railway bridge is being built and the Silli railway station is getting a new building to improve passenger facilities. The project is expected to be completed before March 2028, and some reports suggest it could be ready by March 2027.
Key project details and budget
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Estimated Cost | ₹137.23 crore |
| Approval Date | October 2023 |
| Managing Division | Ranchi Rail Division (South Eastern Railway) |
| Land Acquisition | 9.57 hectares private land and 1.47 hectares government land |
| Travel Time Saving | Approximately 45 minutes |
Why is this bypass important for passengers
Currently, trains have to stop at Muri Junction for engine reversal, which takes a lot of time. Shreya Singh, Senior DCM of Ranchi Rail Division, stated that this direct route will eliminate that process. N.K. Meena, Deputy Chief Engineer, confirmed that work is moving quickly to ensure the line opens ahead of the target date for smoother operations.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much travel time will be saved by the Silli-Ilu bypass?
Passengers traveling between Ranchi and Kolkata, as well as Tatanagar, will save approximately 45 minutes of travel time.
When will the Silli-Ilu bypass rail line be completed?
The project is officially targeted for completion before March 2028, though some reports indicate it may be finished by March 2027.