Commuters in the Samastipur Division of the East Central Railway have received a significant boost as officials addressed long-standing grievances regarding Raxaul Junction during a recent Divisional Rail Users’ Consultative Committee (DRUCC) meeting. The railway administration has provided a positive assurance regarding the introduction of a new train service connecting Raxaul to Patna, alongside a comprehensive plan to upgrade Raxaul station to better accommodate the growing passenger influx in the border region.
Key highlights from the meeting include:
- Assurance of a new dedicated train service between Raxaul and Patna.
- Progress on the Raxaul-Kathmandu rail link with a target completion of January 2026.
- Extension of Raxaul-Lokmanya Tilak-Raxaul (05557/05558) Special until July 2026.
- Approval of major infrastructure projects worth Rs. 1.53 lakh crore for Bihar.
Strategic Connectivity and Infrastructure Projects
The development of the ambitious Rs. 25,000 crore Raxaul-Kathmandu rail link remains a top priority. Once completed, this line is expected to slash travel time between the two points from five hours by road to just three hours by rail. The project is currently in the final stages of its Detailed Project Report (DPR), with a review conducted in June 2026 ensuring the project remains on track for its January 2026 completion target.
To support immediate travel needs, the railway board has officially extended the operational period of the Raxaul-Lokmanya Tilak-Raxaul Special (05557/05558) until the end of July 2026. This train, which serves key hubs including Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, and Patliputra, continues to see high occupancy rates.
Expanding Bihar’s Rail Network
Beyond the Raxaul region, the Indian Railway Board has sanctioned an investment of approximately Rs. 17,000 crore for the construction of third and fourth rail lines between Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, Patna Junction, and Kiul to Jhajha. Construction on these critical corridors is scheduled to commence in March 2026 to alleviate congestion and improve train punctuality.
These developments are part of a larger push for regional growth, with Bihar set to benefit from 11 major projects out of 100 new national railway initiatives approved for the 2025-26 fiscal year. With a total national allocation of Rs. 1.53 lakh crore, these infrastructure upgrades aim to transform the passenger experience and logistical efficiency across the state.