- By Shibra Arshad
- Mon, 02 Feb 2026 11:44 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Jharkhand Rail Budget: The Union Rail Budget 2026 has delivered Jharkhand's largest-ever allocation for railway development, with Rs 7,536 crore earmarked for the state in the current financial year.
This represents a dramatic increase, nearly 16 times higher than the average annual allocation of Rs 457 crore during the 2009–2014 period. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared the details during a video conference
In a major boost to passenger services, the minister announced three new Amrit Bharat Express trains for Jharkhand. One of these will run on the Dhanbad–Coimbatore route, establishing direct rail connectivity between Jharkhand and a key industrial and educational hub in South India. This is expected to benefit passengers while promoting trade and industry. Announcements regarding the routes of the remaining two trains are expected soon.
Infrastructure projects worth Rs 63,470 crore are currently underway in the state. These include new rail track construction, track doubling, station redevelopment, station development, and the implementation of the indigenous automatic train protection system 'Kavach'. The central government remains committed to transforming Jharkhand into a strong and modern railway hub.
Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 57 railway stations across Jharkhand are being redeveloped into modern facilities at a total investment of Rs 2,153 crore. Works have already been completed at eight stations: Govindpur Road (Phase-1), Rajmahal, Sankarpur, Sahibganj, Madhupur, Godda, Lohardaga, and Piska.
Ranchi Railway Division DRM Karunanidhi Singh noted that 15 of these 57 stations fall under the Ranchi division. Govindpur station has been inaugurated, while Lohardaga, Muri, and Piska stations are complete. Construction at the remaining stations is approximately 90 per cent finished and will soon be dedicated to passengers.
The Budget places strong emphasis on improving connectivity in Jharkhand, with a steady rise in premium train services. Currently, 12 pairs of Vande Bharat Express and 4 pairs of Amrit Bharat Express trains operate through the state.
Network expansion has accelerated, with nearly 1,400 km of new rail tracks added since 2014, surpassing the total rail network of several countries. Jharkhand has achieved 100 per cent railway electrification, with 946 km electrified post-2014. Additionally, 486 flyovers and underpasses have been constructed, enhancing safety and easing both rail and road traffic.
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Safety enhancements continue through the rapid rollout of 'Kavach'. The project has sanctioned 1,907 route kilometers in the state, with works or tender processes underway on 917 Rkm. Once fully implemented, it is expected to significantly reduce the risk of train accidents.