In a significant move to boost regional connectivity in Bihar, the Northeastern Railway has introduced experimental stoppages for the Patna-Thawe Passenger (train numbers 55515/55516) at Sham Kauria and Rajapatti stations. The new halts, which officially came into effect on July 18, 2026, were inaugurated by Maharajganj Member of Parliament Janardan Singh Sigriwal, marking a major milestone for local commuters who have long campaigned for improved rail access. Key highlights of this update include:
- The train now serves both Sham Kauria and Rajapatti on an experimental trial basis.
- The inauguration ceremony was attended by Baniyapur MLA Kedarnath Singh and senior officials from the Varanasi Division.
- The decision aims to support students, farmers, and traders by improving access to education and business hubs.
- Railway officials may consider making these stops permanent if passenger demand remains strong.
Updated Train Schedule
For passengers planning their travel, the revised timings ensure better accessibility for those living near these stations. Train 55515 (Patna-Thawe Passenger) now arrives at Sham Kauria at 4:46 PM and departs at 4:48 PM. Continuing its journey, it reaches Rajapatti at 5:13 PM, departing at 5:15 PM.
For the return journey, Train 55516 (Thawe-Patna Passenger) is scheduled to arrive at Rajapatti at 9:41 PM and depart at 9:43 PM, followed by an arrival at Sham Kauria at 10:05 PM, with a departure at 10:07 PM.
Future Outlook for Local Commuters
Sumit Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer of the Northeastern Railway, emphasized that this initiative is a direct response to public demand. The railway administration is closely monitoring the occupancy rates at these new halts. If passenger numbers prove satisfactory during this trial period, the stoppages are likely to be made permanent.
The presence of senior officials, including Additional Divisional Railway Manager (Operations) Ashok Kumar Verma and Station Director Rajesh Kumar, underscores the importance of this development for the Varanasi Division. By integrating these rural stations into the main line schedule, the Indian Railways continues its commitment to enhancing passenger experience and facilitating economic growth for local communities across the state.