Kosi Rail Mahasetu – Burning Issues

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KOSI RAIL MEGA BRIDGE

The historical project to build the bridge, which is 1.9 kilometres long and has been constructed at a cost of Rs 516 crore, was sanctioned by the Centre in 2003-04, according to the release.
2003 –PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee laid the foundation stone

In 1887, a meter gauge link was built in between Nirmali and Bhaptiahi(Saraigarh).
During the heavy flood and severe Indo Nepal earthquake in 1934, the rail link was washed away and thereafter due to meandering nature of river Kosi no attempt was made to restore this Rail link for long period.

In rail transport, track gauge is the spacing of the rails on a railway track and is measured between the inner faces of the load-bearing rails.

Broad Gauge -5’6″ (1676mm)
This is now found all over the country, and all major passenger and freight routes are now broad gauge.
Meter Gauge -1m
This is still found in a lot of places, despite the push to convert everything to broad gauge.

The Kosi Mega Bridge line project was sanctioned by Government of India during 2003-04. The Kosi Rail Mahasetuis 1.9 KM long and its construction cost is Rs. 516 Crore.
This bridge is of strategic importance along the India-Nepal border. The project was completed during the COVID-Pandemic where the migrant labour also participated in its completion.
The dedication of this project will fulfil the 86 year old dream and the long wait of the people of the region. Along with the dedication of the Mahasetu
Once the regular train service begins, this would prove to be highly beneficial to the Supaul, Arariyaand Saharsadistricts. It would also make it easy for long distance travel to Kolkata, Delhi and Mumbai for the people of the region.

The bridge will provide an alternative Broad gauge route of length 610 km between Gorakhpur and Katihar
The existing route of 505 km via Chapraand Barauniat present is a highly saturated corridor.