Railway Minister Clears Rs 1.77 bn ROB Project in Katihar Division

19 Feb 2026 CW Team

The Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) has secured ministerial approval to replace Level Crossing Gate No. 101 with a Road Over Bridge (ROB) between Malahar Halt and Samsi stations under Katihar Division. The Railway Minister cleared the proposal at a revised estimated cost of Rs 1.77 billion (bn), to be funded entirely by the Railways. The decision is described by officials as a milestone in regional infrastructure development.

A traffic census conducted in July 2024 recorded Traffic Vehicle Units (TVU) of 421,001 at the location, underlining the need for grade separation to improve traffic management and safety. The project comprises construction of an ROB at the existing crossing to serve local traffic and an additional ROB at a diversion point to separate city and through traffic. Project plans aim to ensure smoother vehicular movement and reduce congestion on road approaches.

Authorities expect the scheme to enhance both road and rail safety and to secure seamless traffic flow along the Malahar–Samsi section in Malda district under Katihar Division. The infrastructure upgrade is anticipated to improve access for students, daily commuters and local traders, thereby facilitating travel to educational institutions, workplaces and markets. Planners also view the works as supportive of broader economic growth and development in the region.

In a related development, the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway (DHR) under the NFR has assigned Sarita Yolmo as the first woman Travelling Ticket Examiner (TTE) on tour duty for heritage operations on the UNESCO World Heritage site. Her appointment follows a career path that included a period in the railway press and a transfer to the commercial department, and it is being seen as a step towards greater representation of women in field operations. Railway sources indicated that such postings are part of wider efforts to enhance inclusion in operational roles.

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