Purnia: The Seemanchal region of Bihar marked a historic moment on Monday as the Vande Bharat Express train was officially launched from Banmankhi Junction, connecting the region to India’s high-speed rail network. The service, hailed as a “long-awaited gift” for the area, was flagged off by Purnia MP Rajesh Ranjan, popularly known as Pappu Yadav, who also travelled on the inaugural run to Purnia.
Speaking to the gathered crowd, Yadav described the launch as the result of years of expectation and collective effort from the people of Purnia, Seemanchal, and the Kosi region. “When the public raises its voice unitedly, even the impossible becomes possible,” he said.
Yadav also outlined plans for further infrastructure upgrades in the area, including the introduction of a washing pit for trains at Banmankhi or Purnia and the construction of an overbridge within the next six months, promising “many more basic facilities in the coming days.”
Bharatiya Janata Party MLA Krishna Kumar Rishi attended the event, calling the development a matter of pride for the region. He noted that the new service would benefit not only daily passengers but also students and business travellers, highlighting the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in extending high-speed rail connectivity to this previously underserved area.
