New Delhi : Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has secured a major railway infrastructure contract worth ₹358.97 crore (including 18% GST) from East Central Railway for the doubling of the Sitamarhi–Raxaul rail section in Bihar. The project, awarded through a Letter of Acceptance (LOA), marks another significant addition to RVNL’s expanding portfolio of railway modernization projects across India.
The contract involves the construction of a 41.04-kilometre double-line railway section from Kundawa Chainpur (excluding) to Raxaul (excluding) in the Samastipur Division, with the objective of enhancing rail capacity, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening connectivity in the eastern region of the country.
Comprehensive Scope of Work
The project has been awarded under the Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) model and encompasses a wide range of civil engineering and railway infrastructure works designed to support future traffic growth.
The scope of work includes:
- Earthwork and track blanketing
- Construction of minor and major bridges
- Development of station buildings and railway infrastructure
- Platform construction and upgrades
- Level crossing works
- Various miscellaneous railway infrastructure activities
The entire project has been designed to support 25-tonne (25T) Indian Railway Standard Loading, enabling the movement of heavier freight trains while improving operational reliability.
Project Value and Timeline
According to the official disclosure made by RVNL, the project carries a total contract value of ₹358.97 crore, inclusive of applicable taxes.
Key Project Details:
- Project Value: ₹358.97 crore (including 18% GST)
- Executing Agency: Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL)
- Awarding Authority: East Central Railway
- Contract Type: Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC)
- Project Length: 41.04 km
- Completion Period: 1,095 days (approximately three years)
The project is expected to significantly improve railway capacity between Sitamarhi and Raxaul, an important corridor connecting northern Bihar with the Indo-Nepal border.
Boost to Rail Connectivity
The Sitamarhi–Raxaul section is strategically important for both passenger and freight transportation. Doubling the rail line will:
- Increase train handling capacity
- Reduce congestion on the existing single-line section
- Improve punctuality of passenger and freight services
- Enhance logistics efficiency for industries and trade
- Support future growth in cross-border connectivity with Nepal
The upgraded corridor is expected to play a key role in strengthening regional transportation infrastructure and facilitating faster movement of goods and passengers.
Transparency and Regulatory Compliance
RVNL clarified that the contract has been awarded in the ordinary course of business.
The company also confirmed that:
- No related-party transaction is involved.
- The promoter group has no interest in the awarding authority.
- The order complies with applicable regulatory disclosure requirements.
These disclosures reaffirm the company’s commitment to transparency and corporate governance.
Strengthening RVNL’s Order Book
The latest contract further reinforces RVNL’s position as one of India’s leading railway infrastructure developers.
The company continues to play a crucial role in implementing major railway projects across the country, including:
- Railway line doubling
- Track electrification
- Metro rail projects
- Bridge construction
- Station redevelopment
- Dedicated freight infrastructure
With continuous project wins from various railway zones, RVNL remains a key contributor to the Government of India’s railway modernization and capacity expansion initiatives.
Strategic Importance
The project aligns with Indian Railways’ long-term objective of increasing network capacity, improving freight movement, and delivering faster, safer, and more efficient transportation services.
Doubling railway lines on high-demand routes reduces operational bottlenecks, supports higher train frequencies, and strengthens economic development in the regions served by the railway network.
International Perspective
Commenting on the project, David Thompson, an American railway infrastructure expert, said:
“Railway doubling projects are among the most effective infrastructure investments because they significantly increase network capacity without requiring entirely new transport corridors. Such projects improve operational flexibility, reduce delays, and support long-term economic growth.“
Meanwhile, Jennifer Brooks, a U.S.-based transportation planning consultant, observed:
“Expanding rail capacity through double-line infrastructure enhances both passenger mobility and freight logistics. Strategic investments like this strengthen regional connectivity and create a more resilient transportation network capable of supporting future economic development.“
Key Highlights
- Rail Vikas Nigam Limited (RVNL) has received a Letter of Acceptance (LOA) from East Central Railway for the Sitamarhi–Raxaul railway doubling project.
- The ₹358.97 crore Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract covers a 41.04-kilometre rail section in the Samastipur Division.
- The project includes earthwork, track blanketing, major and minor bridges, station buildings, platform works, level crossings, and other railway infrastructure.
- The upgraded line has been designed to support 25-tonne Indian Railway Standard Loading, improving freight capacity and operational efficiency.
- The project is scheduled for completion within 1,095 days, or approximately three years.
- RVNL confirmed that the order is part of its normal business operations, involves no related-party transaction, and further strengthens its growing railway infrastructure order book across India.
