Mokama's new Ganga bridge opens, adding two rail lines between north and south Bihar
The double-line crossing has cleared safety inspections; the existing Rajendra Pul will continue carrying trains.
A new double-line railway bridge across the Ganga at Mokama has opened to train traffic, expanding a key connection between northern and southern Bihar. East Central Railway confirmed the commissioning to The Indian Express in a report updated on October 5.
The roughly Rs 2,400-crore project received clearance after safety inspections on October 3 and 4. Railway spokesperson Saraswati Chandra said operations began around midnight, with the Mahananda Express, train 15483, making the first crossing.
The new structure runs alongside Rajendra Pul, which remains in service. Together, the crossings provide three railway lines. The project extends about 15.5 kilometres, including a main river bridge of approximately 1.9 kilometres, and connects with existing stations on both banks.
For passengers and freight operators, the immediate change is additional operating capacity on a busy corridor. The railway expects smoother goods movement and improved connectivity towards the Northeast. Those benefits should be distinguished from a confirmed timetable change: the commissioning report does not announce new passenger services or guaranteed reductions in individual journey times.