The closure of the road over Vikramshila Setu for repair work has disrupted travel between Bhagalpur and North Bihar. To provide an alternative transport option, the Railways has started special train services between Bhagalpur and Katihar, as well as between Sabour and Katihar.
The special trains operating via Naugachia are intended to facilitate travel for daily commuters, elderly passengers, patients and businesspeople who need to cross the Ganga. In addition, a special mail train service has been introduced between Sabour and Katihar.
Following the closure of the road route because of repair work on Vikramshila Setu, the Railways and district administration have arranged alternative rail services. Special trains are being operated between Bhagalpur and Katihar via Naugachia, while a special mail train is also being operated between Sabour and Katihar.
The new services provide an alternative for passengers facing difficulties in crossing the Ganga because of the road closure. The services are particularly relevant for daily commuters, elderly passengers, women, patients and traders.
Under the railway arrangement, train number 03409 Bhagalpur-Katihar Passenger Special will operate daily. The train will depart from Bhagalpur at 7 am and reach Katihar via Naugachia. Its operation will continue until November 30, 2026.
In the return direction, train number 03410 Katihar-Bhagalpur Passenger Special will operate regularly from October 8 to December 1, 2026. This train will also reach Bhagalpur via Naugachia.
The services will provide an additional rail option for passengers travelling regularly between Bhagalpur, Naugachia and Katihar.
The Railways has also included Sabour station in the alternative rail arrangement. Train number 05782 Katihar-Sabour Special Mail will operate from October 8 to November 30 on every Thursday, Sunday and Monday.
Train number 05781 Sabour-Katihar Special Mail will operate from October 9 to December 1 on every Friday, Monday and Tuesday.
The arrangement provides passengers from Bhagalpur and surrounding areas with an additional option for travelling towards Katihar. It is also intended to reduce dependence on ferry services while the road route remains closed.
After Vikramshila Setu was closed, the use of ferry services for crossing the Ganga increased. Some passengers, however, were uncomfortable travelling by water transport. The introduction of train services provides an alternative for both general passengers and traders.
Regular movement between Bhagalpur, Naugachia and Katihar is important for people engaged in trade. The disruption of the road route had increased travel time and caused additional inconvenience. The operation of special trains provides an alternative rail service for these journeys.
According to the arrangement issued by the Railways, the trains on different routes will continue to operate until the end of November and the beginning of December. The alternative rail services will remain available until the repair work on Vikramshila Setu is completed.
