By Avijit Biswas
Bhagalpur: A new railway bridge over Ganga in state would be constructed in this district as part of New Vikramshila -Katareah rail line project. Decks have been cleared for construction of the new bridge with sanction of the project by union cabinet.
Ashwini Vaishnaw, railway minister at media briefing on Friday this week informed about sanction of the project in union cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as per eastern railway press communique.
Planned to be constructed at estimated cost of Rs 2549 crores, the 2.44-Kilometer-long mega bridge would be part of 26-kilometer Vikramshila- Katareah new rail line project connecting Vikramshila and Katareah stations.
The Vikramshila station is located between Bhagalpur and Sahebganj stations in Kiul-Sahebganj loop section of Eastern Railway while Katareah a relatively small railway station is located between Naugachia and Katihar stations in Sonepur division of East Central Railway.
The new bridge will significantly improve connectivity between North Bihar, West Bengal, South Bihar, Jharkhand, Odisha and North Eastern Region. By constructing the new rail bridge over Ganga, railway looks forward to streamline transport routes, reduce travel time and ensure better regional integration.
The “Y” connection at both ends of the new bridge will offer multiple access points making travel easy from different directions. The facilities of both passenger and freight transportation would significantly improve with construction of the new railway bridge, it is largely felt.
As per railways the construction phase of the bridge is likely to generate 22 lakh man days that is likely to create substantial employment opportunity and boost local economy. The construction of the bridge is also likely to save 95 crore kilograms of carbon dioxide emissions which is equivalent to planting 3.8 crore trees, as per assessment of railways.
It has been stated by railways that substantial reduction of carbon dioxide emissions through construction of the bridge emphasizes commitment of railways towards sustainable development and environmental stewardship.
It may be mentioned information about sanction of total eight major railway projects by union cabinet were given by railway minister in media briefing. He said taking into consideration PM’ vision of “Purvodey” focusing development of the eastern states, the railway projects have been planned. The projects would contribute immensely in development of Odisha, Bihar, Jharkhand, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Andhra Pradesh and North Eastern Region, railway minister added.
He said people residing in many aspirational and tribal districts of eastern states would be benefitted by the projects. Projects would bolster regional economies, improve transport infrastructure and address connectivity issues, he added.
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- Writer Avijit Biswas, former principal correspondent of Hindustan Times Bhagalpur bureau, can be contacted at biswasavijit@yahoo.comContact number (mobile): +919431095516
