New Delhi, Sep 24 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared on Wednesday that the central government is dedicated to enhancing the railway infrastructure in Bihar.

This announcement followed a meeting of the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs, which he chaired, during which a project worth Rs 2,192 crore was approved to double the railway line extending 104 km from Bakhtiyarpur to Tilaiya.

“Our commitment to improving rail connectivity in Bihar is unwavering. Today, our administration has sanctioned the doubling of the Bakhtiyarpur-Rajgir-Tilaiya railway line segment. This initiative will greatly benefit the local populace, pilgrims, and tourists alike,” stated PM Modi in a post on X.

The project will span four districts in Bihar, providing rail access to key destinations including Rajgir (Shanti Stupa), Nalanda, and Pawapuri, thereby attracting pilgrims and tourists from all over the nation. Multi-tracking initiatives will enhance connectivity to approximately 1,434 villages and serve a population of about 13.46 lakh, including two aspirational districts, Gaya and Nawada, as per an official announcement.

The project aligns with the PM-Gati Shakti National Master Plan, emphasizing the enhancement of multi-modal connectivity and logistic efficiency through integrated planning and consultations with stakeholders. These projects are designed to facilitate seamless movement of people, goods, and services, as noted in the statement.

This crucial route is vital for transporting essential commodities like coal, cement, clinker, and fly ash. The capacity expansion efforts are expected to generate an additional freight traffic of 26 MTPA (Million Tonnes Per Annum).

The multi-tracking initiative aims to streamline operations and alleviate congestion, contributing significantly to infrastructural development on some of the busiest segments of Indian Railways.

As an eco-friendly and energy-efficient mode of transport, railways will play a pivotal role in achieving climate objectives while reducing the logistics costs across the nation.

These initiatives reflect Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a New India, which aims to empower the local populace towards becoming “Atmanirbhar” through comprehensive regional development that will enhance employment opportunities, the statement concluded.