The Ministry of Railways on Tuesday (August 6) announced a significant milestone in the Son Nagar-Patratu 3rd Line project. The 291-kilometer stretch has seen 145 kilometers officially commissioned, marking a major step forward in enhancing regional rail connectivity. 

According to the Ministry’s tweet, the newly commissioned line will improve connectivity for key districts, including Ramgarh, Hazaribag, Latehar, Palamu, Garhwa, and Aurangabad. It is expected to facilitate the efficient movement of essential commodities such as food grains, iron ore, coal, fertilizers, cement, and sugar, which will support regional economic growth and infrastructure development.

This development is set to significantly enhance rail connectivity in the region, providing a crucial boost to transportation efficiency and economic development.

Son Nagar- Patratu 3rd Line project overview

The Son Nagar-Patratu 3rd Line project, part of the Dhanbad Division of East Central Railway, traverses through Aurangabad in Bihar and the Jharkhand districts of Ramgarh, Hazaribag, Latehar, Palamu, and Garhwa. The line is critical for operational efficiency, aimed at expediting coal transport to the Super Thermal Power Plants at Nabinagar and Tandwa and serving as a feeder route for the Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC) at Sonnagar.

Sanctioned in 2015-2016 with a total budget of Rs 4,500 crores, the project spans 291 kilometers and includes the construction of 609 minor bridges, 46 major bridges, and 43 station buildings. The project is divided into five packages:

  • Pkg-I: Son Nagar to Japla (46 km)
  • Pkg-II: Japla to Garhwa Road (46 km)
  • Pkg-III: Garhwa Road to Barwadih (61 km)
  • Pkg-IV: Barwadih to Tori (73 km)
  • Pkg-V: Tori to Patratu (65 km)