It was a historic milestone for pre-independence era Kiul-Gaya rail section in Danapur division of the East Central Railway (ECR) as it witnessed doubling of its 125-km long stretch last month. The railway line was originally opened in 1879, and it played a key role in shaping early rail transport in eastern India, said Danapur ADRM Aadhar Raj.
According to Raj, the Kiul-Gaya rail route between Howrah and Delhi, before the Grand Chord (GC) was commissioned in Dec 1906, holds historical significance. Known in railway parlance as the ‘King’s Gallop’ (KG) for its once unmatched speed, this route has now reclaimed its former glory following track doubling and infrastructure upgrades. These upgrades enable passenger trains to run at the maximum speed of 110 kmph from April 9 onwards, he said.
The increase in speed and efficiency slashed travel time between Kiul and Gaya from nearly 6 hours to just 3.5 hours, enhancing both passenger and freight movements in the region. The upgraded line will serve as a vital alternative to the congested GC route, offering flexibility for long-distance trains between eastern and northern India in the future, he said.
According to ADRM, the upgraded KG section will not only ease pressure on existing routes but also boost local connectivity, tourism, and economic activity in the Magadh region of the state. The improved infrastructure includes modernised stations, signalling systems, and electrification, making the section both faster and safer, he said.
Talking to this newspaper on Friday, Danapur DRM Jayant Kumar Choudhary said the railways has decided to work out a plan to introduce more express services and possibly premium trains on the KG section in the days to come, potentially transforming it into a preferred corridor for both passengers and goods traffic.
