New 15-Meter-Wide Foot Over Bridge to Connect All Platforms

New 15-Meter-Wide Foot Over Bridge to Connect All Platforms

Bhagalpur: Bhagalpur Railway Station, one of the key railway hubs in eastern India, is set to undergo a major infrastructure upgrade aimed at improving passenger convenience and supporting the ongoing yard modernization project. As part of the redevelopment plan, a 15-meter-wide Foot Over Bridge (FOB) will be constructed, connecting Platforms 1 to 6 and significantly improving passenger movement across the station.

According to railway officials, the new FOB will begin from the parcel booking center in the station's circulating area and extend across all platforms. New staircases will also be constructed from the bridge to each platform, ensuring smoother and safer access for passengers.

Modern Foot Over Bridge to Improve Passenger Movement

Railway authorities said the new 15-meter-wide Foot Over Bridge has been designed to accommodate increasing passenger traffic and improve overall accessibility at the station.

The existing foot over bridges often become overcrowded, especially during festivals, holidays, and the annual Shravani Mela, when thousands of pilgrims travel through Bhagalpur. The new bridge is expected to ease congestion and provide a safer and more convenient travel experience.

Existing Foot Over Bridge to Be Removed

Once the new FOB is completed, the existing Foot Over Bridge located in front of the Station Superintendent's (SS) chamber on Platform 1 will be dismantled.

Officials stated that the new bridge will be wider, more modern, and capable of handling significantly higher passenger volumes, making the older structure unnecessary. Removing the old bridge will also improve operational efficiency within the station premises.

Construction Plan Revised

Railway officials said certain modifications were made to the project plan, resulting in changes to the construction schedule.

As a result, only one staircase of the existing Foot Over Bridge on Platforms 2 and 3 has been widened so far. The remaining staircases will be expanded during the next phase of the project.

Officials explained that the phased construction approach has been adopted to minimize inconvenience to passengers while keeping the station operational.

Lift to Be Installed on Platforms 2 and 3

To improve accessibility, especially for senior citizens, differently-abled passengers, women, and travelers carrying heavy luggage, the Railways are also installing a lift on Platforms 2 and 3.

The civil foundation and base for the lift have already been completed. However, the installation could not be finished because the lift equipment has not yet been supplied.

Railway officials said the lift will be commissioned as soon as the required equipment becomes available.

Work Could Not Be Completed Before Shravani Mela

The Railways had initially planned to complete the lift installation and staircase widening before the Shravani Mela, which begins on July 30.

However, due to changes in the project plan and delays in the availability of equipment, the work could not be completed within the targeted timeline.

Officials said that despite the delay, additional arrangements will be made to ensure passenger convenience and safety during the festival season.

Yard Modernization Project to Gain Momentum

The new Foot Over Bridge is a key component of the station's broader yard modernization project.

According to railway officials, once the bridge is completed, work will begin on extending Platforms 2 and 3 so they can accommodate 24-coach trains.

This expansion is expected to improve train operations, reduce congestion, and enhance the station's ability to handle longer trains more efficiently.

Station to Receive a Modern Makeover

In addition to the new bridge, several other infrastructure improvements are planned for Bhagalpur Railway Station.

These include upgraded passenger amenities, modern waiting halls, improved lighting, digital passenger information systems, better entry and exit arrangements, and beautification of the station premises.

The objective is to transform Bhagalpur into a modern railway station capable of meeting future transportation demands while providing a comfortable experience for passengers.

Passengers to Benefit Significantly

Once the redevelopment work is completed, passengers are expected to benefit in several ways.

Changing platforms will become quicker and more convenient, crowding will be reduced, and overall passenger safety will improve. The new lift will make travel easier for elderly passengers, persons with disabilities, women, and travelers carrying heavy luggage.

The expansion of the platforms will also facilitate the smooth operation of longer trains and improve overall railway efficiency.

Project Targeted for Completion by December

Railway officials have set December as the target for completing the entire yard modernization project.

If completed on schedule, Bhagalpur Railway Station is expected to become one of the most modern railway stations in eastern Bihar, offering improved passenger facilities and enhanced operational capacity.

The Railways have assured passengers that construction work will be carried out in phases with minimal disruption to regular train services. The new 15-meter-wide Foot Over Bridge, platform expansion, lift installation, and yard modernization are expected to mark a significant milestone in the transformation of Bhagalpur Railway Station into a modern transportation hub.