PM Modi Inaugurates Araria–Galgalia Rail Line, A Strategic Lifeline For Seemanchal And The Northeast

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (15 September) inaugurated the newly built, broad-gauge, 110.75 km stretch of rail line connecting Araria to Galgalia in Bihar’s Seemanchal region.

For the first time since Independence, Seemanchal is directly linked with India’s main railway grid through a route that avoids the vulnerable Siliguri Corridor, the narrow strip known as the ‘Chicken Neck’ which connects the mainland to the Northeast and is wedged between Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and China.

According to a News18 report, the new rail line is expected to enhance both logistical resilience and security preparedness.

The project, conceived in 2006 and finally completed at a cost of around Rs 2,300 crore, features 64 major and 264 minor bridges, 11 stations and one halt.

With trains running at up to 100 kmph, it will link Araria and Kishanganj to Galgalia and onward to New Jalpaiguri via Katihar and Purnia, facilitating trade with Nepal and strengthening ties with West Bengal.

Beyond its strategic dividends, the line promises change for local communities.

Farmers expect faster, cheaper transport of produce, traders look forward to access to wider markets, and young people anticipate easier mobility for education and jobs.

Alongside the rail inauguration, the Prime Minister also unveiled a new airport terminal in north Bihar and the foundation stone for Bihar’s largest private investment, a 3 x 800 MW thermal power project in Pirpainti, Bhagalpur, costing Rs 25,000 crore.

He will also launch Phase 1 of the Rs 2,680 crore Kosi-Mechi intra-state river link scheme.

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