- By Kamakshi Bishnoi
- Mon, 22 Sep 2025 10:14 AM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
The Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) on Sunday conducted an inspection of the newly constructed 18-km Asthawan-Barbigha-Sarsa Jamalpur railway section, part of the Biharsharif-Barbigha-Sheikhpura new line project under the Danapur division of East Central Railway. With the inspection completed, regular train services on this section are expected to commence shortly.
Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Central Railway, said that Sumit Singhal, CRS for Kolkata Railway (Eastern Circle), carried out a detailed inspection of level crossings, bridges, culverts, station buildings, relay and IPS rooms, and other infrastructure using a motor trolley. A successful speed trial with a special train was also conducted between Asthawan and Sarsa Jamalpur. Final approval from CRS will pave the way for passenger train operations.
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Senior officials, including Danapur DRM Vinod Kumar, CAO (Construction/South) Ramashray Pandey, and Chief Project Manager (RVNL) Manoj Kumar Singh, were present during the inspection.
The 43-km Biharsharif-Asthawan-Sheikhpura new railway line has been executed in three phases. The first, the 12.66 km Biharsharif-Asthawan section, was completed in July 2023. The second, the 12.5 km Sheikhpura-Sarsa Jamalpur stretch, followed, and now the 18 km Asthawan-Barbigha-Sarsa Jamalpur section has been finished. Three new stations, Asthawan, Barbigha, and Sarsa Jamalpur, have been built under the project.
Officials said the new line will significantly improve connectivity for Nalanda and Sheikhpura districts, spurring economic and social development. Residents will gain easier transportation access, while trade and business activity are expected to grow.
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Meanwhile, redevelopment work at Lakhisarai station in the Danapur division, costing Rs 20 crore, is in its final stages. The upgraded station will feature a larger building, expanded circulating area, facilities on both sides, extended FOB sheds, gardens, and amenities for persons with disabilities.
The Danapur division is redeveloping 20 stations in phases, with Lakhisarai set to emerge as a modern, high-tech hub once work is completed.