Demand grows to route new northeast capital express via forbesganj in bihar
Railway enthusiasts and passenger associations in Bihar are strongly advocating for the proposed new Rajdhani-style premium train connecting Mizoram to New Delhi to be routed through Araria and Forbesganj. The Railway Board is currently drafting an ambitious plan to operate a new train from Sairang in Mizoram via the Northeast and Purvanchal, finalizing its operational days, routes, and stoppages. Local stakeholders in the Simanchal region have stepped up efforts to ensure this vital route enhancement benefits underserved districts.
Vinod Sarawagi, the railway representative of the Araria MP and DRUCC member, has formally requested parliamentary intervention to route the upcoming service via the Araria-Forbesganj line. The proposed alternative alignment suggests running the train via Kamakhya, Goalpara, Alipurduar, Siliguri, Thakurganj, Araria, Forbesganj, Jhanjharpur, Darbhanga, and Gorakhpur. Currently, no Rajdhani Express trains operate through this specific corridor, making this a long-pending demand for the region.
Expanding Premium Rail Access
Highlighting the existing network gaps, DRUCC member Bachhraj Rakhecha noted that out of the four existing Rajdhani Express trains running from the Northeast, two operate via New Jalpaiguri and Katihar, while two weekly services run via Malda and Bhagalpur. Introducing this new train through the Dooars, Simanchal, Kosi, Mithila, and Purvanchal regions will provide a massive connectivity boost. Notably, no Rajdhani services currently pass through Gorakhpur, making this route highly strategic.
Regional Secretary of the Bihar Rail Users Association, Chandan Bhagat, suggested that if operating this service as a Rajdhani Express is not immediately feasible, the Railway Board should consider running it as a modern Vande Bharat Sleeper train instead. Social activist Ajatshatru Agarwal has urged Araria MP Pradeep Kumar Singh alongside MPs from the Kosi, Simanchal, and Mithila regions to make a joint representation to the railway ministry.
Economic Growth and Regional Development
Forbesganj Chamber of Commerce Secretary Rakesh Roshan emphasized that launching this premium train service will significantly accelerate economic activities and open new avenues of development for this historically neglected region. Local residents have expressed great enthusiasm at the prospect of gaining direct access to premier train travel facilities in the near future. Such infrastructure upgrades are expected to bridge connectivity deficits and bring long-term socio-economic prosperity to the border regions of Bihar.