Bhagalpur: Indian Railways has rejected the Road Construction Department's (RCD) request to demolish the dilapidated British-era Gopalpur Railway Bridge in Bhagalpur. Despite being declared damaged five years ago, the bridge sees daily traffic of 12-13 thousand vehicles, including school buses. RCD had sought permission to dismantle the bridge due to safety concerns.

Railway officials state that a new pitline is planned for Barari, and tracks will be laid via Gopalpur to reach Barari. The railway is working on extending the train shunting neck from Bholanath Railway Bridge to Bhikhanpur Gate No. 3, all the way to Barari. Engineers from the Malda Division, along with local officials, have inspected the site in Barari and submitted a report to the headquarters. A team from Delhi is also expected to conduct a survey soon.

Bhagalpur serves as a hub for over a dozen trains, including the Vikramshila Express, LTT, and Ang Express. However, the existing coaching yard lacks sufficient pitlines for train shunting. The expansion is crucial for operating new trains like Vande Bharat and increasing the frequency of services from Bhagalpur to other parts of the country. Railways owns approximately 20 acres of land in Barari, an area that once had a train line connecting Bhagalpur to Barari 40 years ago, which was discontinued during the construction of the Vikramshila Setu.

The new plan includes laying five stabling lines in Barari to accommodate shunting for five to six trains. Encroachments on railway land from Bhikhanpur Gate No. 3 to Barari will be removed, and notices will be issued to vacate railway quarters. An underground pass will also be required near Gate No. 3 for the new tracks. Jasraj Majhi, PRO of Malda Division, confirmed that a joint survey report has been prepared, and further processes will commence upon its approval.