Travelers on the Barharwa-Bhagalpur-Kiul railway section can expect faster journeys very soon. The Eastern Railway’s Malda Division is working rapidly to increase the maximum train speed from the current 110 kmph to 130 kmph. To make this possible, the railways have decided to eliminate 17 level crossings and replace them with subways. The work is on a fast track and is expected to be fully operational within the year 2026.
Which crossings are being removed for this project?
The railways have identified 17 specific gates that act as speed breakers on this route. These crossings will be permanently closed to ensure a barrier-free corridor. The sections identified for closure include Nathnagar-Akbarnagar, Ghogha-Lailakh, Sultanganj-Gangania, Jamalpur-Dashrathpur, and several points in the Sahibganj-Barharwa section.
Subway boxes are already manufactured and ready for installation at these sites. To solve old problems with underpasses, these new subways will come with tin roofs to stop rainwater from entering. They will also have proper drainage systems and lighting arrangements so that local people can use them safely at night.
How will this upgrade benefit the passengers?
Once the speed is upgraded to 130 kmph, the travel time between Bhagalpur and major cities like Patna and Howrah will reduce by about 20 to 30 minutes. This infrastructure update is a key requirement for launching the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains on this route. Without these upgrades, high-speed trains cannot run at their full potential.
ADRM SK Prasad has stated that removing these level crossing gates will fix safety issues and reduce the need for trains to blow horns constantly. Additionally, Thick Web Switches are being installed on the tracks. These modern switches allow trains to change tracks at higher speeds without slowing down, making the journey smoother and faster for everyone.