Patna: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has informed Rajya Sabha MP and JDU Working National President Sanjay Kumar Jha that a set of proposals aimed at expanding railway infrastructure and passenger facilities in Mithila and North Bihar are currently being examined by the ministry.
Sanjay Jha, a resident of Araria Sangram in Madhubani district, had submitted a memorandum containing eight suggestions during a meeting with the Railway Minister in New Delhi on May 20. According to the minister’s response, the proposals are being reviewed and necessary action will be taken after the examination process is completed.
Sitamarhi-Ayodhya Vande Bharat Among Major Demands
One of the most significant proposals seeks the introduction of a modern Vande Bharat-style train connecting Sitamarhi Junction, regarded as the birthplace of Goddess Sita, with Ayodhya Dham, the birthplace of Lord Ram, via Raxaul and Gorakhpur.
The proposal is aimed at strengthening religious, cultural and tourism links between two of the country’s most important pilgrimage centres. He said such a service would benefit devotees travelling between Mithila and Ayodhya while also improving regional connectivity.
Focus on New Trains, Route Doubling and Station Development
The memorandum also includes a demand to regularise the Anand Vihar-Laukaha Special Train, which currently operates as a special service between Delhi and Madhubani district.
Other suggestions include accelerating work on the Harnagar-Hasanpur rail line, doubling the Sakri-Jhanjharpur-Forbesganj route, developing Tamuria as an ideal railway station and completing the survey for a proposed new rail line between Tamuria and Supaul.
He said these projects would help address long-standing infrastructure gaps and improve travel facilities for passengers across North Bihar.
Rail Connectivity Seen as Driver of Tourism and Growth
Sharing the development through a social media post on Thursday, Jha thanked the Railway Minister for the positive response and also released a copy of the reply received from the ministry.
He said improved rail connectivity between Sitamarhi and Ayodhya would serve as more than just a transportation link. According to him, the route would strengthen the historical, cultural and spiritual ties between the two regions while creating fresh opportunities for religious tourism.
Millions of Passengers Expected to Benefit
Expressing optimism about the outcome of the review process, Sanjay Kumar said he was confident that meaningful progress would soon be made on the proposals.
He added that the implementation of these projects would significantly improve railway services and passenger convenience for millions of travellers across Mithila and the wider North Bihar region.
