The Ministry of Railways has approved two infrastructure projects in Gujarat and Bihar aimed at strengthening rail connectivity, reducing long standing congestion and improving operational efficiency across key corridors. The combined cost of the projects is Rs 6,475.8 million (mn), with allocations for detailed construction under the Western Railway and Eastern Railway zones to address capacity bottlenecks. The approvals form part of a broader programme of capacity augmentation and network decongestion that seeks to support rising passenger and freight demand while enhancing safety and service reliability.

Under the Western Railway, one project comprises a Rail Over Rail flyover at Kosamba to integrate a nine point two kilometre gauge conversion section between Kosamba and Umrapada with the Mumbai-Vadodara main line, and the work is estimated at Rs 3,443.8 mn. The flyover is being advanced because the Dedicated Freight Corridor alignment makes surface crossings unfeasible, and the elevated structure is expected to enable uninterrupted and safer train movement while maximising the benefits of the gauge conversion for both freight and passenger services.

The other project under the Eastern Railway is a 13.38 kilometre rail bypass at Bhagalpur that will connect Gonudham Halt on the Barahat-Bhagalpur section with Sabour on the Bhagalpur-Sahibganj route, and it is estimated at Rs 3,032.0 mn. The bypass is designed to streamline train movements by avoiding the need for engine reversals at Bhagalpur, a practice that currently contributes to delays and reduces overall network efficiency.

The Ministry indicated that the bypass and the flyover will ease severe congestion, improve punctuality and enhance safety across the affected corridors while providing more reliable paths for freight movement. Officials expect improved operational fluidity to lower transit times and support economic activity by facilitating timely movement of goods and passengers. The measures are consistent with ongoing efforts to modernise the network.