Direct Ludhiana-Jind rail link sanctioned
The Indian Railways says the Rs.976 crore multitracking of the 29 km Danapur to Fatuha section of East Central Railway in Bihar will decongest one of the busiest stretches on the Patna rail corridor and create room for a large increase in both passenger and freight services.
The sanctioned work covers three components. Third and fourth lines will be laid between Danapur and Patna. A third line will be laid between Rajendra Nagar and Patna Saheb. Third and fourth lines will be laid between Patna Saheb and Fatuha. The additional lines will ease congestion, minimise delays, and improve punctuality across the Patna region, the Ministry of Railways said on 1 Aug.
In the first year of operation, the project will allow 22 additional passenger trains and 18 additional freight trains every day. It will also enable handling of an additional 5.2 million tonnes per annum of freight traffic.
The project forms part of the quadrupling initiative on the Delhi, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Patna, Kiul, Bhagalpur, Khanna and Howrah route. This route is identified under the Energy, Mineral and Cement Corridor of Indian Railways. The strengthened section is also vital for the upcoming 2120 MW thermal power plant at Chausa in Buxar district, which will depend on rail movement of bulk inputs.
The approval reaffirms the commitment of Indian Railways to expanding capacity on high density routes, strengthening logistics for energy and industry, and supporting the socio-economic development of Bihar.
The Railways has also approved the extension of Train No. 54053/54054 Ludhiana-Jakhal Daily Passenger up to Jind station under Northern Railway. The decision will provide direct rail connectivity between Ludhiana and Jind, benefiting daily commuters, students, office-goers, traders and passengers travelling between Punjab and Haryana.
With the approved extension, Train No. 54054 will now operate from Ludhiana to Jind, while Train No. 54053 will run from Jind to Ludhiana, replacing the earlier Ludhiana-Jakhal operation.
The train’s journey distance will increase from 128 km to 200 km, providing uninterrupted passenger connectivity between the two important cities.
The extended portion of the service will include commercial stoppages at all stations between Jakhal and Jind, ensuring improved accessibility for passengers residing in towns and villages along the route, the Ministry said.
The extension is expected to strengthen regional mobility by providing better rail connectivity to intermediate stations while improving access to employment, education, healthcare and commercial centres.
The extended service will improve travel convenience by eliminating the need for passengers to change trains at Jakhal for onward journeys to Jind. The project will facilitate smoother and more seamless rail travel across the region while enhancing connectivity between important urban and rural centres.
The approval reflects Indian Railways’ continued commitment to improving passenger services and expanding regional rail connectivity through demand-based operational enhancements that deliver greater convenience and accessibility for passengers. Fiinews.com
