Pawapuri to be Connected with Nawada, 25 km New Rail Line Approved

New Delhi: To boost railway connectivity and regional development in Bihar, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has taken a historic decision by approving a new rail project connecting Nawada and Pawapuri. This rail line will be 25.10 kilometers long, with an estimated construction cost of about ₹492.14 crore. The proposal was placed under Indian Railways’ Umbrella Works for New Railway Lines for 2024–25.

With this new rail line, Nawada will get direct connectivity to Pawapuri. Pawapuri is a major Jain pilgrimage site, where thousands of devotees visit every year. Once completed, this project will make Pawapuri accessible not only by road but also by rail, reducing the burden on road traffic and making travel to Parasnath and Jal Mandir more convenient.

The Nawada–Pawapuri new rail line project will give fresh impetus to religious tourism within the Jain Circuit. The link with Rajgir and Bihar Sharif will be further strengthened, and travel time across the Nawada–Nalanda–Rajgir region will be reduced.

Beyond tourism, the rail line will also play an important role in social and economic development. Nawada will be connected to Nalanda and the proposed industrial zone. The traditional silk industry of Kadirganj will gain better access to larger markets, while trade activities up to Bhagalpur will receive new momentum.

This project will also simplify access to important educational and cultural centers like Nalanda University and Bodh Gaya. During construction, large numbers of local employment opportunities will be created, and after completion, trade and industries will also benefit. Additionally, this initiative will support the proposed 2000 MW nuclear power plant at Rajauli and other regional development projects.

The Nawada–Pawapuri new rail line will not only give new dimensions to religious significance but also open pathways for education, tourism, industry, and socio-economic progress. Strengthening the cultural heritage of the entire region, this project will write a new chapter of development.

Expressing happiness over the project’s approval, Nawada MP Vivek Thakur conveyed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. He said that Bihar is experiencing a railway revolution. Once completed, this project will benefit lakhs of people from Nawada and Nalanda districts.