Forbesganj to be included in major multi track railway project
Forbesganj is set to become a part of the ambitious multi-tracking railway project connecting Gorakhpur and Guwahati, bringing great joy to local railway representatives, passenger associations, and trade bodies. This crucial development aims to strengthen and smoothen train movement between Purvanchal and Northeast India along one of the busiest rail routes in the country. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw recently announced this major infrastructure upgrade, which will significantly expand the rail network and give Forbesganj a distinct identity on the national railway map.
Key highlights of the Forbesganj multi-track railway project include:
- Additional rail lines will be laid passing through Raxaul, Sitamarhi, Jhanjharpur, Saraigarh, Forbesganj, and New Jalpaiguri.
- Train operations pressure will decrease significantly on this vital rail section, paving the way for more trains connecting various parts of the country.
- Regional connectivity will improve between North India, Purvanchal, Mithilanchal, Kosi region, Seemanchal, and Northeast India.
- Local stakeholders have demanded integrating the under-construction 17.60 km long rail link between Forbesganj and Lakshmipur to reduce the distance to Siliguri by about 30 km.
Boosting Regional Growth and Passenger Convenience
Local leaders and passenger advocacy groups have warmly welcomed the announcement by the Ministry of Railways. Bachhraj Rakhecha, central committee member of the Bihar Daily Passengers Association, and Vinod Saraogi, member of the Indo Nepal Organisation of Rail Users, noted that this multi-tracking initiative will immensely benefit passengers from this often-overlooked region by providing better connectivity and increased train frequency.
Mangilal Golcha, president of the Forbesganj Civil Society, along with patron Ajatshatru Agarwal, urged the Railway Minister to connect the upcoming 17.60 km long new rail link between Forbesganj and Lakshmipur to this grand project to shorten travel distance toward Siliguri. Meanwhile, Chamber of Commerce Secretary Rakesh Roshan expressed gratitude to the railways, highlighting that better infrastructure will naturally boost trade, tourism, healthcare, education, and cultural exchanges in the area.
New Train Demands Raised
Chandan Bhagat, regional secretary of the Bihar Rail Users Association, thanked Supaul MP Dileshwar Kamet for forwarding proposals to the railway ministry. These include introducing a tri-weekly train from Supaul to Howrah via Raghopur, Narpatganj, Forbesganj, and Araria, as well as extending a Dibrugarh-Guwahati Rajdhani Express route to run via Thakurganj, Siliguri, Forbesganj, and Darbhanga. These measures are expected to further transform travel experiences for passengers across Bihar and the Northeast.