Bihar oldest railway station has completed 165 years. Know its old name, current name, location, history, importance, and the list of the five oldest railway stations in Bihar.
Railways have played an important role in Bihar’s development for more than a century. Among all railway stations in the state, Jamalpur Junction holds a special place in history. Established on 14 February 1861, Jamalpur Junction has now completed 165 years in 2026, making it the oldest railway station in Bihar that continues to serve passengers today. Apart from being an important railway junction, Jamalpur is also famous for housing one of India’s oldest railway workshops, making it a major centre for railway engineering and maintenance.
Bihar Oldest Railway Station Old Name
The station has been known as Jamalpur since it was established by the East Indian Railway Company in 1862. Unlike many railway stations in India, its name has remained unchanged throughout its history.
Bihar Oldest Railway Station New Name
The present official name of Bihar’s oldest railway station is Jamalpur Junction, and it continues to operate under the Malda Division of Eastern Railway.
Bihar Oldest Railway Station Location
Jamalpur Junction is located in the Munger district of Bihar, around 8 kilometres from Munger city. The station lies on the important Howrah–Delhi railway route, connecting Bihar with major cities such as Kolkata, Patna, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Guwahati. Its strategic location has made it one of the busiest railway stations in eastern India.
History of Bihar Oldest Railway Station
Jamalpur Junction was inaugurated on 14 February 1862, during the British colonial period. The station was built by the East Indian Railway Company, which was expanding railway connectivity across eastern India. The biggest milestone came in the same year when the famous Jamalpur Railway Workshop was established. The workshop soon became one of the largest railway repair and manufacturing centres in Asia.
Over the decades, Jamalpur played an important role in transporting passengers, goods, and military equipment. It also became known for producing skilled railway engineers and technicians through the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE), which is located nearby. Even after 165 years, the station remains an important part of India’s railway network.
Importance of Bihar Oldest Railway Station
Jamalpur Junction is much more than an ordinary railway station. It has contributed significantly to Bihar’s economy and railway development. Some of its major contributions include:
- One of the oldest operational railway stations in eastern India.
- Home to the historic Jamalpur Railway Workshop, established in 1862.
- Important junction connecting eastern, northern, and northeastern India.
- Major centre for railway locomotive and coach maintenance.
- Houses IRIMEE, one of India’s premier railway training institutes.
- Supports thousands of railway employees and local businesses.
5 Oldest Railway Stations in Bihar
| Railway Station | Opening Date | Years Completed (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Jamalpur Junction | 14 February 1862 | 165 Years |
| Kiul Junction | 1862 | 164 Years |
| Patna Junction | 1862 | 164 Years |
| Bakhtiyarpur Junction | 1862 | 164 Years |
| Buxar Railway Station | 1862 | 164 Years |
After completing 165 years, Jamalpur Junction continues to stand as a symbol of Bihar’s rich railway heritage. From serving as one of the earliest railway stations in eastern India to becoming home to the famous Jamalpur Railway Workshop and railway engineering institute, the station has played a vital role in India’s railway history. Even today, it remains an important transport hub that connects millions of passengers and supports railway operations across the country.
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