Katihar Transformation: Railways & Municipal Corp Team Up to Develop 20 Key Sites
A massive infrastructural overhaul is coming to Katihar as the local Municipal Corporation and the Railway Division join forces. Following a high-level meeting held on September 23, 2026, both parties have reached a consensus to initiate development work across 20 identified railway sites within the region.
Collaborative Vision for Katihar's Growth
The decision follows a strategic discussion between a delegation from the Katihar Municipal Corporation, led by Municipal Commissioner Santosh Kumar, and top officials from the Katihar Railway Division, including the Divisional Railway Manager (DRM) and Additional Divisional Railway Manager (ADRM). The primary focus of this partnership is to secure the necessary No Objection Certificates (NOCs) to kickstart development projects in several key areas, specifically targeting wards 13, 14, 15, and 18.
To solidify this partnership, both entities are currently working toward a formal Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This collaboration is a vital component of the broader Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, which aims to elevate 20 stations within the Katihar division to world-class standards by the end of 2026.
Upgrading Katihar Station Capacity
As part of the ongoing modernization, Katihar station is undergoing significant structural changes. General Manager of Northeast Frontier Railway, Chetanya Kumar Shrivastava, has highlighted that capacity is being expanded through the addition of two new platforms, which will be situated between platforms 2 and 3.
Major Railway Infrastructure Milestones
The Katihar division has seen a surge in sanctioned projects and completed works aimed at improving connectivity, speed, and safety across the region:
- Mukuria Road Over Bridge (ROB): A massive Rs 118 crore project sanctioned in September 2025 to replace a level crossing near Katihar Junction.
- Malahar Halt to Samsi ROB: A Rs 177 crore project approved in February 2026 to enhance rail-road movement.
- Katihar-Sanauli Rail Section: Construction was successfully completed in June 2026, enabling trains to travel at speeds of up to 110 km/h.
Ensuring high-quality infrastructure remains a top priority. In July 2026, DRM Kirendra Narah conducted thorough inspections of stations in Siliguri, Thakurganj, and Alubari Road to review the quality of ongoing construction work.