PATNA, June 21 -- The Bhagalpur district administration has begun land acquisition for about 180 hectares to lay Vikramshila-Katareah railway line after the much-awaited project's tenders were finalised. The 26-km route, which includes a major bridge over the Ganga river, promises to transform rail travel and freight movement in the region, serving as a vital link between north and south Bihar.

Design and drawings for the bridge will also be finalised soon. The railway line will connect Barauni-New Jalpaiguri route with Bhagalpur-Sahebganj loop, crossing the Ganga roughly 45 km downstream from the existing Vikramshila road bridge. IRCON has been tasked with executing the project, including the river bridge. Officials estimate it will gen...