Sitamarhi: The redevelopment of Sitamarhi railway station into a “world-class” facility has accelerated, with plans for expanded infrastructure and a wide range of passenger amenities, railway officials said.
Under the project, a new main station building is being constructed on both sides of the entrance, designed to be significantly larger than the existing structure. According to railway officials, the upgraded complex will cater to both staff and passengers with improved facilities and redesigned passenger flow systems.
Commercial superintendent Ajay Kumar said the redevelopment would include pay-and-use Sulabh toilets, model waiting halls, organised seating areas, drinking water facilities, and air-conditioned and non-air-conditioned retiring rooms under a pay-and-use system.
The plans also include a free cloakroom facility for passengers, ATMs from multiple banks outside the premises, three general ticket counters, two reservation counters, and automated ticket vending machines to reduce queues.
A second building is planned on the opposite side of the station, towards the rake yard, with both structures to be connected by a passenger foot-over bridge to improve platform access.
Officials said a parcel building near the Railway Protection Force barracks is in its final stage of construction, with only access road work remaining. Vendor relocation plans are also under consideration, with proposals to allocate permanent shops to those currently operating in the circulating area.
The redevelopment is being led under the broader framework of Indian Railways station modernisation efforts, which aim to improve infrastructure across key regional hubs, including Sitamarhi Railway Station.
Despite the expansion plans, local residents and passengers have raised concerns over persistent congestion at the station’s approach road, frequent waterlogging in the circulating area during rainfall, and the lack of a robust drainage system. They have called for widening of access roads and improved traffic management, particularly around auto-rickshaw congestion.
Some residents also suggested enhancing the spiritual and cultural presentation of the station, including expanding the area around the Sita origin statue outside the main gate and installing a 3D model of Sitamarhi at the exit to welcome visitors.
Passengers have also urged railway authorities to introduce an early morning train from Sitamarhi to Patna, and to make the Amrit Bharat Express service running via Sitamarhi to Delhi a daily operation, citing demand for faster and more direct connectivity.
Railway officials said the objective of the project is not only to upgrade passenger amenities but also to support regional development and improve overall travel experience for commuters across the region.
