Sikkim Mahananda Express Connects Naxalbari to Delhi Directly

In a landmark development for the region, Naxalbari—a town historically synonymous with the Naxalite movement—has officially been linked to the nation’s capital. On Tuesday, the Sikkim Mahananda Express commenced its maiden halt and service from the Naxalbari Railway Station, marking a transformative shift in local infrastructure. Darjeeling MP Raju Bista officially flagged off the Sikkim Mahananda Express, celebrating the first time this major train has included Naxalbari as a designated stop. This move is set to revolutionize travel for residents of Naxalbari, Panitanki, and the surrounding border areas, who can now board a direct train to Delhi without traveling to major hubs like New Jalpaiguri (NJP). Expanding Regional Connectivity The new halt is expected to benefit a wide demographic. Commuters from the hills and foothills—including Mirik, Soureni, Singbuli, Phuguri, Dudhey, and Panighatta—can now avail the service from Naxalbari, significantly reducing travel time and additional transportation costs. Speaking at the ceremony, MP Raju Bista credited the central leadership for the progress. "Our dedicated efforts at ensuring better connectivity through road, railways, and airport development in our Darjeeling hills, Terai, and Dooars region have received massive support from the Central Government. I thank Hon'ble PM Narendra Modi ji, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw ji, and the Northeast Frontier Railway staff for enabling this transformation. A Boon for Tea Garden Workers and Students Beyond long-distance travel, the North Eastern Frontier Railway has introduced several new halts at Naxalbari specifically aimed at improving the daily lives of tea garden workers, local commuters, and students. Local residents have reacted with overwhelming positivity. Sunita Kiro, a resident of the Hatigicha tea garden, expressed her gratitude for the initiative but noted the long road to development. "Naxalbari has been neglected for years. Hatigicha, despite being adopted by former MP S.S. Ahluwalia, faced hurdles due to local political interference and a lack of cooperation from the district administration," she stated, hailing the Sikkim Mahananda Express halt as a long-awaited victory for the community.