East Central Railway (ECR) has awarded a contract worth Rs 358.97 crore to Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) for doubling the Sitamarhi-Raxaul rail section. The contract value equates to Rs 3,589.7 million (mn) and covers civil works, track laying and associated signalling and safety upgrades. ECR said the project forms part of network capacity enhancement measures along key freight corridors. The award follows completion of the procurement process and the signing of definitive agreements.\n\nThe doubling will involve construction of an additional running line, strengthening of bridges and enlargement of station loops to handle longer trains. Works will also include drainage improvements and modifications to level crossings to enhance safety and operational reliability. RVNL will mobilise resources and coordinate with zonal and divisional units to minimise disruption to ongoing services during execution. The package excludes land acquisition obligations, which remain with the railway administration.\n\nECR identified the Sitamarhi-Raxaul link as a priority due to rising freight throughput and the strategic importance of cross-border connectivity. The project award is intended to unlock additional capacity for commodities and reduce congestion on single-line sections that currently constrain movement. RVNL has been engaged on similar doubling schemes and will prepare detailed designs before commencing major civil works. Progress will be reported through periodic updates from the railway zone.\n\nThe contract value of Rs 3,589.7 million (mn) represents a significant investment in regional rail infrastructure and aligns with broader plans to enhance freight corridors. ECR indicated that the works will be scheduled to balance urgency and safe execution while maintaining passenger services. Stakeholders in the region are expected to benefit from improved logistics and reduced transit times once doubling is complete. Further administrative clearances and statutory approvals will be completed as required before major works commence.