Muzaffarpur: After Patna, the East Central Railway has given the green signal for the operation of the Vande Bharat Express on the Muzaffarpur–Champaran route, marking a significant milestone in Bihar’s rail connectivity. Preparations are also underway to extend the high-speed train service to the Raxaul-Kolkata route, which is expected to boost religious tourism and regional development.
The upcoming Raxaul-Kolkata Vande Bharat service is set to benefit devotees heading to Baba Pashupatinath Temple and the birthplace of Mata Sita, as well as improve connectivity for passengers from West Bengal. In anticipation, Raxaul Junction is being redeveloped with a ₹50 crore investment to enhance infrastructure and passenger facilities.
Raxaul Station Revamp and Infrastructure Push
A total allocation of ₹60–70 crore has been made under various budget heads for the development of Raxaul station. In the first phase, ₹19.92 crore has already been sanctioned. Work includes modernizing the station building, laying new tracks, and constructing maintenance depots for Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains. These depots will be equipped with modern facilities such as electrical systems, water supply, and improved line connectivity.
Tenders worth ₹27 lakh were issued on Friday for train maintenance, while a separate ₹65 lakh tender has been floated for replacing overhead electric wires (OHE) in the Raxaul railway area. The deadline for completing OHE upgrades is six months.
Boost for Religious Tourism and Indo-Nepal Ties
The Raxaul-Kolkata Vande Bharat service is expected to facilitate smoother travel for pilgrims from Bengal to prominent religious sites in Bihar and Nepal, including Janakpur and Sitamarhi. The route will connect Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, and Sitamarhi—offering faster, more comfortable travel for devotees and tourists. Officials anticipate a daily rise in passenger traffic and stronger cultural ties between India and Nepal.
Rapid Progress Following Railway Board Nod
The proposal for the Raxaul-Kolkata Vande Bharat service, routed via Muzaffarpur, was sent by the Samastipur Railway Division to the Railway Board through East Central Railway headquarters. With official clearance now granted, groundwork has accelerated. DRM Vinay Srivastava of Samastipur Division is personally overseeing the progress.
A state-of-the-art washing pit is also being constructed in Saharsa to support maintenance for Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains.
