3 weeks ago
Seemanchal rail boost: 764 km of projects to improve Bihar connectivity
Trains in a part of India called Seemanchal are getting a big upgrade.
The government wants to build more railway tracks so that trains can move better.
A minister named Ashwini Vaishnaw told the Lok Sabha about the plan on August 5, 2026.
The plan includes 764 kilometers of new railway tracks.
Some tracks will be doubled, which means adding a second line next to the old one.
The new tracks will connect Seemanchal with West Bengal and the northeastern states of India.
Seemanchal includes places like Katihar, Purnia, Araria, and Kishanganj.
The train station at Katihar Junction will also be made nicer for passengers.
More tracks mean more trains, smoother travel, and easier movement of goods.
This helps people travel and businesses grow.
Indian Railways plans 764 km of railway projects across 11 initiatives in Bihar's Seemanchal region.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the expansion in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on August 5, 2026.
Projects include new lines, doubling, and third/fourth track works connecting Seemanchal with West Bengal and the northeastern states.
Two doubling projects are under construction: Katihar–Kumedpur (30 km) and Katihar–Mukuria (35 km).
Katihar Junction will be upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to improve passenger facilities.
- Who
- Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Indian Railways
- What
- A 764 km railway expansion plan with 11 projects, including new lines, doubling, and additional tracks, plus an upgrade of Katihar Junction
- Where
- The Seemanchal region of Bihar, covering Katihar, Purnia, Araria, and Kishanganj, with links to West Bengal and the northeastern states
- When
- Announced in a written reply to the Lok Sabha on August 5, 2026
- Why
- To increase railway capacity, improve passenger movement, support freight operations, and strengthen connectivity with West Bengal, Nepal, and Bangladesh
Key facts
- Total planned railway works
- 764 km across 11 projects
- Announcement date
- August 5, 2026 (Lok Sabha reply)
- Seemanchal districts covered
- Katihar, Purnia, Araria, Kishanganj
- Under construction
- Katihar–Kumedpur doubling (30 km), Katihar–Mukuria doubling (35 km)
- Longest planned project
- Goldenganj–Katihar 3rd & 4th line (300 km)
- Survey-stage projects
- Araria–Thakurganj doubling (111 km), Forbesganj–Lakshmipur new line (18 km)
- Station upgrade scheme
- Amrit Bharat Station Scheme for Katihar Junction
- Regions connected
- Bihar, West Bengal, northeastern states, Nepal, Bangladesh
Sources
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