Patna: The people of Bihar have received a big gift from the Railways. A 110-kilometre-long new railway line from Araria to Galgalia has been successfully tested. This new line will connect northeastern Bihar to North Bengal and further to Northeast India. The trial run took place on Monday, led by Arun Kumar Chaudhary, General Manager (Construction) of Northeast Frontier Railway. He checked the track, stations, safety systems, and other facilities carefully during the run.
The train ran at high speed to test everything, and the results were successful. Local people gathered in excitement and warmly welcomed the railway officials at Galgalia station. BJP MP from Araria, Pradeep Kumar Singh, was also present. He said that passenger trains would start running on this route before the state assembly elections. He called it a special gift for the people of Araria, Katihar, Purnia, and nearby areas.
This project includes 15 stations and one halt. Important stations are Galgalia, Thakurganj, Kursakata, Bibiganj, Tedhagach, Pauakhali, and Araria Court. The project was first approved in 2004-05 and the foundation was laid in 2006 by former MP Md. Taslimuddin and then Railway Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav. But actual work started only in 2019.
The total cost of the project is around Rs 2,132 crore. It also involved buying 1,632 acres of land. Railway officials believe this line will help people travel more easily and support local trade and development. It is expected to bring new opportunities to the entire region.
