- By Akansha Pandey
- Tue, 30 Sep 2025 08:49 PM (IST)
- Source:Jagran News Network
After a long wait, the path has been cleared for the construction of the Bihta-Aurangabad rail line, a move that will bring significant relief to a population of over 7.5 million across three districts.
Following an 18-year delay, the Ministry of Railways has approved the Bihta–Anugrah Narayan Road new rail line project for the people of Patna, Arwal, and Aurangabad districts, sanctioning Rs 3606.42 crore for its construction. The East Central Railway has been directed to commence the construction work immediately.
The 120-kilometer-long rail line will feature a total of 14 stations and 10 halts. The proposed stations include Bihta, Vikram, Dulhin Bazar, Paliganj, Bara, Arwal, Khabhaini, Mehandiya, Kaler, Shamsher Nagar, Daudnagar, Obra, Barthauli, Anugrah Narayan Road and Aurangabad.
Once this project is completed, a direct rail link will be established between Patna and Aurangabad, reducing the travel time for passengers to just one and a half to two hours. According to railway officials, the 13-kilometer rail line from Anugrah Narayan Road to Aurangabad was already approved and is currently under construction.
This project, benefiting a population of over 7.5 million, is also expected to be a milestone in the development of the Magadh and Shahabad regions.
Project Approved In 2007
The Bihta-Aurangabad rail line was first approved in 2007 by the then-UPA government. The foundation stone for the project was laid by the then Railway Minister, Lalu Prasad Yadav, in Paliganj, Patna district, on October 16, 2007.
Dainik Jagran Made It A Key Issue
The newspaper Dainik Jagran made this long-awaited project a key issue, consistently publishing reports on the delays. In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Dainik Jagran also prominently featured this issue in its manifesto.
Project Timeline
2007: The project's foundation stone was laid and initial approval was granted. A direct rail line connecting Patna–Arwal–Aurangabad was announced.
2008–2010: Survey work was initiated by the railways, during which the proposed route and stations were determined.
2011–2015: The Detailed Project Report (DPR) was prepared, but construction could not begin as the project was not included in the budget and priority list.
2016–2019: Discussions regarding land acquisition took place between the Bihar government and the railways. Land acquisition was partially completed in the Aurangabad region.
2020–2022: The Railway Board took up the project for a fresh review. During this period, the 13-km line from Anugrah Narayan Road to Aurangabad was approved separately, and work on it began.
Also Read: Sahher Bambba Says Half-Siblings Plot With Lakshya Was A 'Huge Twist': 'Did Feel It Could Be Risky'
2023–2024: The project file moved quickly at the central government and Ministry of Railways level. The DPR was finalised, and the cost was estimated at approximately Rs 4075 crore.
September 2025: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw gave the final approval for the project. A sum of Rs 3606.42 crore was sanctioned for construction, and the East Central Railway was ordered to begin work immediately.
Also Read: Several Feared Dead In Scaffolding Collapse At Ennore Thermal Power Plant In Chennai: Report