Railways approves ₹962-crore Kiul–Jhajha third line in Bihar and ₹993-crore Arakkonam–Chengalpattu doubling in Tamil Nadu
On 19 May 2026 Indian Railways approved the 54-km Kiul–Jhajha third line on the Howrah–Delhi route at ₹962 crore and the 68-km Arakkonam–Chengalpattu doubling of Southern Railway at ₹993 crore.
Summary
Indian Railways approved two capacity projects on 19 May 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. The Kiul–Jhajha third line (54 km, ₹962 crore) is on the high-density Howrah–Delhi corridor, where the existing double line is running beyond optimal capacity, and will strengthen Patna–Kolkata connectivity. The Arakkonam–Chengalpattu doubling (68 km, ₹993 crore) of Southern Railway is part of the Chennai suburban circular network linking Chennai Beach, Tambaram, Chengalpattu and Arakkonam. That route serves industrial hubs such as Sriperumbudur, Oragadam and Mahindra World City.
Key facts
- Kiul–Jhajha
- 3rd line, 54 km, ₹962 crore; Howrah–Delhi high-density corridor
- Arakkonam–Chengalpattu
- Doubling, 68 km, ₹993 crore; Southern Railway
- Chennai network
- Circular suburban route: Chennai Beach–Tambaram–Chengalpattu–Arakkonam
- Approved
- 19 May 2026
Practice MCQs 2 questions
The Kiul–Jhajha third line project approved in May 2026 lies on which railway corridor?
Show answer
Correct answer: B — Howrah–Delhi
The 54-km Kiul–Jhajha third line is on the high-density Howrah–Delhi corridor.
What is the length and cost of the Arakkonam–Chengalpattu doubling project approved in May 2026?
Show answer
Correct answer: C — 68 km, ₹993 crore
The Arakkonam–Chengalpattu doubling is 68 km at ₹993 crore. 54 km and ₹962 crore are the figures for Kiul–Jhajha.