Plans are underway to run a Vande Bharat Express from Purnia to Patna, benefiting 7 districts of the Seemanchal region. The Railway Minister has directed a technical feasibility study.
Bihar Vande Bharat: There's good news for lakhs of people in Seemanchal, including Purnia. They will soon be able to travel to Patna quickly and comfortably via the Vande Bharat Express. The Railway Ministry has begun working on the possibility of running a Vande Bharat Express from Purnia to Patna.
Railway Minister Approves Operational Feasibility Study
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has seriously considered this proposal and directed the relevant railway officials to conduct an operational feasibility study, examining the technical and practical possibilities. The proposed route for this train will be from Jogbani to Purnia Court, Saharsa, Simri Bakhtiarpur, and then to Patna. This route will directly connect several districts of Seemanchal to the state capital.
Success for Leshi Singh's Efforts
Leshi Singh, Bihar Government's Minister of Food and Consumer Protection, has consistently worked towards this important rail service. She stated that on September 26, 2024, she met with the Railway Minister and requested the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express from Purnia. Additionally, she requested a halt for the Janhit Express at Sarsi station, which was approved on January 28, 2025.
Repeated Initiatives Led to Recognition
Minister Leshi Singh reiterated this request by writing letters to the Railway Minister again on February 19, 2025, and July 30, 2025. Finally, on August 6, 2025, she received a letter from the Railway Ministry confirming that officials had been directed to conduct an operational feasibility study.
Seven Districts to Benefit Directly
The proposed Vande Bharat service will benefit Purnia, as well as Saharsa, Supaul, Madhepura, Araria, Kishanganj, and Khagaria districts. Currently, traveling from these districts to Patna is time-consuming and inconvenient. The introduction of the Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by several hours and make it more comfortable.
This Service Will Prove to Be a Boon for Students, Patients, and Traders
The Minister said that this Vande Bharat Express is not just a train, but a new lifeline for the people of Seemanchal. This train is a ray of hope for students who wish to pursue higher education in Patna. At the same time, this service will provide a means of timely treatment for patients who need to reach the major hospitals in the capital.
Also, this train will be very useful for traders who want to expand their business by connecting it to the capital.
Currently, One Has to Go to Katihar to Catch the Vande Bharat
Currently, people from Seemanchal have to go to Katihar to catch the Vande Bharat Express to Patna. This increases both travel time and expense. If the Vande Bharat starts from Purnia, it will provide great relief to the local people.
Seemanchal Included in Railway's Plans
This will be the first time that an advanced train service like the Vande Bharat has been proposed for Seemanchal. This makes it clear that Seemanchal is now a priority in the railway's plans.
