Bhagalpur: Eastern Railway is preparing to commence the new rail line project between Ajgaivinath Dham (Sultanganj) and Katoriya in the new year. This project is set to reduce the distance to Deoghar by 30 kilometers. The 74.8-kilometer long rail line is estimated to cost approximately ₹1,261 crore.

As part of the project, a technical feasibility study is underway for a rail tunnel proposed between Belhar and Suiya. The administrative process for acquiring 550 hectares of land required for this ambitious project has begun. The railway aims to start construction as soon as land acquisition is complete and finish the project within two years.

Once operational, this new rail line will greatly benefit millions of devotees and Kanwariyas travelling from Ajgaivinath Dham to Baba Baidyanath Dham (Deoghar), allowing them to carry Ganga water directly by rail. Currently, the rail distance from Sultanganj to Deoghar via Bhagalpur-Banka-Katoriya is about 131 kilometers, which will be reduced to just 101 kilometers with the new direct line.

The rail line will pass through Asarganj, Tarapur, and Belhar. New stations will be constructed at Asarganj, Tarapur, Belhar, Srinagar, and Suiyabathan along this section. Katoriya station, currently on the Banka-Jasidih rail section, will be developed into a full-fledged junction with the addition of this new line. Katoriya already has a rail line connecting to Deoghar (Jasidih) via Banka. The connection of Ajgaivinath Dham to Katoriya will integrate Sultanganj directly into the Deoghar and Banka network, creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, and local employment.