The construction of the new double-line rail bridge over the Ganga river near Mokama is entering its final stage. Parallel to the existing Rajendra Bridge, this new infrastructure project is set to start operations by mid-June 2026. The bridge is expected to provide a major boost to the rail connectivity between north and south Bihar, easing the pressure on the older bridge and improving travel efficiency for thousands of passengers.
Key Features and Development Details
This project was initiated in 2018 and has been managed by the East Central Railway. The bridge is a critical part of the regional infrastructure upgrade and has reached the final phase of construction. Senior railway officials, including the General Manager of East Central Railway, Chhatrasal Singh, have recently monitored the site to ensure the target date is met.
- Total Length: 1.86 km across the Ganga river.
- Project Cost: Approximately ₹1,700 crore.
- Contractor: AFCONS Infrastructure Ltd was awarded the contract by IRCON.
- Speed Capacity: Designed for passenger trains to run at 160 kmph.
- Mainline Integration: Rail Over Rail (ROR) structures built at both ends for seamless connectivity with the Jhajha-Pt Deen Dayal Upadhyaya mainline.
Expected Impact on Passenger and Freight Services
The commencement of this bridge will directly benefit the Danapur and Sonpur divisions by removing current traffic bottlenecks. Passengers will experience faster travel times due to the increased speed capacity of the modern double-line track. Beyond passenger travel, the bridge is vital for freight movement. It will facilitate the smooth transportation of essential goods like petroleum, coal, and fertilizers to industrial hubs in Barauni and Begusarai. With approach roads and rail structures already in place, the bridge will allow trains to reach their destinations without the usual delays found on older single-line sections.
