New Delhi: The Ministry of Railways has approved the construction of the 13.38-km Bhagalpur Bypass under Eastern Railway at an estimated cost of ₹303.20 crore to ease heavy congestion at Bhagalpur junction and improve operational efficiency on the route.

According to the ministry, the bypass will connect Gonudham Halt on the Barahat–Bhagalpur section with Sabour on the Bhagalpur–Sahibganj section, allowing trains to avoid entering Bhagalpur station yard and thereby reducing delays.

The official press release stated that the Barahat–Bhagalpur section is currently operating at more than 125% capacity utilisation, resulting in severe congestion. At present, trains running between the Barahat–Bhagalpur and Bhagalpur–Sahibganj sections have to undergo engine reversal at Bhagalpur, which causes detention and affects punctuality. The new bypass is expected to eliminate this operational bottleneck and ensure smoother train movement.

The Railways said the project is part of ongoing infrastructure augmentation works aimed at strengthening rail connectivity, reducing congestion, improving safety, and enhancing efficiency of train operations. The ministry added that capacity expansion and network decongestion remain key priorities to meet the growing passenger and freight traffic demand across the country. DeshGujarat