Katihar Junction is one of the busiest and most important railway stations in Bihar, serving as a major rail gateway to North-East India. Located in Katihar city, the station is a key railway junction where several important railway routes converge, including the Barauni–Katihar Line, Katihar–New Jalpaiguri Line, Katihar–Malda Town Line, Katihar–Jogbani Line, and Katihar–Siliguri Line. It provides direct rail connectivity to major cities such as New Delhi, Kolkata, Guwahati, Patna, Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Lucknow, Ranchi, Dibrugarh, Agartala, and New Jalpaiguri, making it one of the busiest transit stations in eastern India.
Managed by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) under the Katihar Division, Katihar Junction handles thousands of passengers daily and plays a vital role in connecting Bihar with West Bengal and the North-Eastern states. Whether you’re traveling for business, tourism, education, or onward journeys to the North-East, this guide covers everything you need to know about Katihar Junction Railway Station.
Katihar Junction at a Glance
| Details | Information |
| Station Name | Katihar Junction |
| Station Code | KIR |
| Railway Zone | Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) |
| Railway Division | Katihar Division |
| Location | Katihar, Bihar |
| PIN Code | 854105 |
| Station Category | NSG-2 |
| Type | Railway Junction |
| Number of Platforms | 9 |
| Tracks | Multiple Broad Gauge |
| Parking Facility | Available |
| Waiting Hall | Available |
| Retiring Room | Available |
| Cloak Room | Available |
| Free Wi-Fi | Available |
| Escalators & Lifts | Available |
| Food Plaza | Available |
| Wheelchair Assistance | Available |
Katihar Junction Station Code
The official station code of Katihar Junction is KIR.
Passengers use this code while:
- Booking train tickets on IRCTC
- Checking live train status
- Viewing train schedules
- Tracking PNR status
- Finding platform information
- Railway reservations
While booking tickets, make sure to select KIR, as nearby stations such as Katihar South, Semapur, Dandkhora, and Nayatola serve different railway routes.
Railway Enquiry Number
Passengers can obtain railway-related information using the following official services.
| Service | Contact |
| Indian Railways Helpline | 139 |
| RailMadad | 139 / RailMadad Portal |
| Live Train Status | NTES |
| Ticket Booking | IRCTC Rail Connect |
Passengers should verify train timings, coach positions, and platform numbers through NTES, railway announcements, or digital display boards before boarding.
Katihar Junction PIN Code
The postal PIN Code of Katihar Junction and the surrounding station area is 854105.
This PIN Code is useful for:
- Hotel bookings
- Courier and parcel services
- Online shopping deliveries
- GPS navigation
- Taxi and cab services
Katihar Junction Platform Information
Katihar Junction has 9 passenger platforms that handle Rajdhani Express, express, superfast, passenger, MEMU, and freight trains. Being the divisional headquarters of the Northeast Frontier Railway, the station witnesses heavy passenger movement throughout the year.
Platform numbers may occasionally change depending on railway operations. Passengers should always verify the latest platform information through NTES, digital display boards, or official announcements before boarding.
Platform Overview
| Platform | Common Usage |
| Platform 1–2 | Premium & long-distance trains |
| Platform 3–5 | Superfast & Mail/Express trains |
| Platform 6–7 | Regional Express trains |
| Platform 8–9 | Passenger & MEMU services |
All platforms are connected through foot overbridges, while lifts and escalators provide easy access for passengers.
Major Trains from Katihar Junction
Katihar Junction is served by several prestigious trains connecting Bihar with major cities across India.
| Train Name | Destination |
| North East Express | Anand Vihar Terminal |
| Mahananda Express | New Delhi |
| Brahmaputra Mail | Delhi |
| Kanchanjunga Express | Sealdah |
| Capital Express | Dibrugarh |
| Avadh Assam Express | Lalgarh |
| Katihar–Patna Intercity Express | Patna |
| Garib Nawaz Express | Ajmer |
| Garib Rath Express | New Delhi |
| Amrapali Express | Delhi |
Several weekly, festival, and special trains also originate from or halt at Katihar Junction.
Popular Routes from Katihar Junction
Passengers can directly travel to several major destinations from Katihar Junction.
Popular routes include:
- Katihar to Patna
- Katihar to New Delhi
- Katihar to Kolkata
- Katihar to Guwahati
- Katihar to New Jalpaiguri
- Katihar to Siliguri
- Katihar to Dibrugarh
- Katihar to Jogbani
- Katihar to Malda Town
- Katihar to Lucknow
- Katihar to Ranchi
- Katihar to Mumbai
Parking Facility
Paid parking facilities are available for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers near the station entrance. Dedicated pick-up and drop-off areas are available for taxis, private vehicles, and auto-rickshaws.
Entry & Exit Gates
Katihar Junction has multiple entry and exit gates providing convenient access to reservation counters, waiting halls, parking areas, food stalls, taxi stands, and local transport services. The station is well connected to all major parts of Katihar city.
Nearby Railway Stations
| Railway Station | Approx. Distance |
| Katihar South | 3 km |
| Semapur | 8 km |
| Dandkhora | 12 km |
| Nayatola | 15 km |
| Kumedpur Junction | 20 km |
How to Reach Katihar Junction
By Air
The nearest airport is Bagdogra Airport, located approximately 145 km from Katihar Junction. Regular taxis and buses are available from the airport. Purnea Airport (under development) is expected to improve regional air connectivity in the future.
By Bus
Bihar State Road Transport services and private buses regularly connect Katihar with Purnea, Kishanganj, Bhagalpur, Siliguri, Malda, Araria, and other nearby towns. The main bus stand is located about 2 km from the railway station.
By Taxi or Auto
Auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, taxis, and app-based cab services are available outside the station for convenient travel within Katihar city.
Hotels Near Katihar Junction
| Hotel | Approx. Distance | Category |
| Hotel Satkar | 1 km | Mid-range |
| Hotel Vinayak | 1 km | Budget |
| Hotel Anand Deluxe | 2 km | Mid-range |
| Hotel JMD International | 2 km | Premium |
| Hotel Rajhans | 1.5 km | Budget |
Places to Visit Near Katihar Junction
| Tourist Attraction | Approx. Distance |
| Gorakhnath Temple | 3 km |
| Katihar Kali Temple | 2 km |
| Mangal Bazaar | 2 km |
| Manihari Ghat | 28 km |
| Kursela Ganga Ghat | 35 km |
| Purnea City | 32 km |
| Kosi River View Point | 30 km |
Travel Tips
- Reach the station at least 30–45 minutes before your train departs.
- Keep your train ticket and a valid photo ID ready.
- Verify your platform number through NTES or digital display boards.
- Book retiring rooms early during festivals and holiday seasons.
- Use prepaid or app-based taxis for convenient travel within the city.
- Download the NTES and IRCTC Rail Connect apps for real-time train updates.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the station code of Katihar Junction?
The station code of Katihar Junction is KIR.
How many platforms are there at Katihar Junction?
Katihar Junction has 9 passenger platforms serving long-distance, express, passenger, and MEMU trains.
Which railway zone manages Katihar Junction?
The station comes under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) and is managed by the Katihar Division.
What is the railway enquiry number for Katihar Junction?
Passengers can contact 139 for train enquiries, PNR status, and railway assistance.
What is the PIN Code of Katihar Junction?
The postal PIN Code of the station area is 854105.
Which is the nearest airport to Katihar Junction?
Bagdogra Airport is the nearest operational airport, located approximately 145 km away.
Which railway stations are located near Katihar Junction?
Nearby stations include Katihar South, Semapur, Dandkhora, Nayatola, and Kumedpur Junction.
Why is Katihar called a railway junction?
Katihar is called a railway junction because several important railway routes branch out towards New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, Jogbani, Barauni, and North-East India, making it a key interchange station in the Northeast Frontier Railway network.
Where is Katihar Junction railway station?
Katihar Junction Railway Station is located in Katihar city, Bihar, and serves as one of the most important railway hubs connecting Bihar with West Bengal and the North-Eastern states.
Conclusion
Katihar Junction is one of the most significant railway stations in eastern India and a major transportation hub of the Northeast Frontier Railway. With excellent connectivity to Bihar, West Bengal, and the North-Eastern states, modern passenger facilities, and numerous long-distance train services, the station plays a crucial role in India’s railway network. Whether you’re beginning your journey, changing trains, or traveling to the North-East, Katihar Junction offers a reliable and convenient travel experience.
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