Ara Junction Railway Station: Code, Platforms, Trains, Facilities, Nearby Places & Travel Tips

Ara Junction, also known as Arrah Railway Station, is one of the busiest railway stations in Bihar and serves as the primary rail gateway to Arrah city in the Bhojpur district. Located on the important Howrah–Patna–Delhi main line, the station provides direct rail connectivity to major cities such as Patna, New Delhi, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Lucknow, Kolkata, Mumbai, Bhopal, and Dhanbad. Thousands of passengers, including daily commuters, students, business travelers, and pilgrims, use the station every day.

Managed by the East Central Railway (ECR) under the Danapur Division, Ara Junction is an important stop for several premium, superfast, express, and passenger trains. Whether you’re traveling within Bihar or to another state, this guide covers everything you need to know about Ara Junction Railway Station.

Ara Junction at a Glance

Details Information
Station Name Ara Junction (Arrah Railway Station)
Station Code ARA
Railway Zone East Central Railway (ECR)
Railway Division Danapur Division
Location Arrah, Bhojpur, Bihar
Station Category NSG-3
Type Railway Junction
Number of Platforms 4
Tracks 7
Parking Facility Available
Waiting Hall Available
Retiring Room Available
Cloak Room Available
Free Wi-Fi Available
Escalators Available
Food Plaza Available
Wheelchair Assistance Available

Ara Junction Station Code

Ara Junction Railway Station

The official station code of Ara Junction is ARA.

Passengers use this code while:

  • Booking train tickets on IRCTC
  • Checking live train status
  • Tracking PNR status
  • Viewing train schedules
  • Finding platform information
  • Railway reservations

Always select ARA while booking your tickets to ensure you choose Ara Junction instead of nearby stations or halts.

Ara Junction Platform Information

Ara Junction has 4 platforms that handle premium, superfast, express, passenger, and MEMU trains. Located on the busy Delhi–Howrah rail corridor, the station witnesses heavy passenger movement throughout the day.

Platform numbers may change depending on train operations, so passengers should always check digital display boards or official railway announcements before boarding.

Platform Overview

Platform Common Usage
Platform 1 Long-distance Express and Superfast trains
Platform 2 Mail and Express trains
Platform 3 Passenger and Intercity trains
Platform 4 Passenger, MEMU and originating services

The platforms are connected through foot overbridges, making it easy for passengers to move across the station.

Major Trains from Ara Junction

Several important trains stop at Ara Junction, connecting Bihar with major destinations across India.

Train Name Destination
Sampoorna Kranti Express New Delhi
Vikramshila Express Anand Vihar Terminal
Poorva Express New Delhi / Howrah
Magadh Express New Delhi
Farakka Express Malda Town
Rajendra Nagar Terminal Express Patna
Humsafar Express Various destinations
Patna–Secunderabad Express Secunderabad
Buxar Intercity Express Patna
Jan Shatabdi Express Patna

Train stoppages may vary depending on the railway timetable.

Popular Routes from Ara Junction

Passengers can travel directly from Ara Junction to several important cities.

Popular routes include:

  • Ara to Patna
  • Ara to Buxar
  • Ara to Varanasi
  • Ara to Prayagraj
  • Ara to New Delhi
  • Ara to Kolkata
  • Ara to Lucknow
  • Ara to Dhanbad
  • Ara to Gaya
  • Ara to Mumbai
  • Ara to Kanpur
  • Ara to Danapur

Passenger Services

Ara Junction provides several passenger-friendly services for a comfortable journey.

Waiting Hall

Separate waiting halls are available for reserved and general passengers with adequate seating arrangements.

Retiring Room

Passengers with valid train tickets can book retiring rooms for short stays before or after their journey, subject to availability.

Cloak Room

The station provides a cloak room facility where passengers can safely store their luggage while visiting the city.

Free Wi-Fi

Free public Wi-Fi is available throughout the station, allowing passengers to browse the internet and check train updates.

Food & Refreshments

Passengers can purchase meals, snacks, tea, coffee, and beverages from food stalls and refreshment counters inside the station. The area outside the station is also known for local Bihari snacks, including Litti Chokha.

Accessibility

Escalators, wheelchairs, and passenger assistance services are available to help senior citizens and differently-abled passengers.

Parking Facility

Paid parking facilities are available for both two-wheelers and four-wheelers near the station entrance. Dedicated parking spaces make it convenient for passengers arriving by private vehicles.

Entry & Exit Gates

Ara Junction has clearly marked entry and exit points with easy access to booking counters, waiting halls, platforms, and parking areas. Auto-rickshaws, taxis, and local transport are readily available outside the station.

Nearby Railway Stations

Railway Station Approx. Distance
Jagjivan Halt 4 km
Jamira Halt 4 km
Udwant Nagar Halt 6 km
Karisath 10 km
Koelwar 14 km

How to Reach Ara Junction

By Air

The nearest airport is Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, located approximately 45 km from the station. Taxis and buses are available for onward travel.

By Bus

Bihar State Road Transport and private buses regularly connect Ara Junction with Patna, Buxar, Sasaram, and nearby towns.

By Taxi or Auto

Auto-rickshaws, cycle rickshaws, and taxis are easily available outside the station for local transportation.

Hotels Near Ara Junction

Hotel Approx. Distance Category
Hotel Anand International 700 m Budget
Hotel Crown Plaza Ara 1 km Mid-range
Hotel Grand SR 1.5 km Mid-range
Hotel Satyam International 2 km Premium
Hotel Regal 2 km Budget

Places to Visit Near Ara Junction

Tourist Attraction Approx. Distance
Aranya Devi Temple 3 km
Veer Kunwar Singh Fort 2 km
Chaturbhuj Temple 3 km
Koilwar Bridge 14 km
Maa Ambika Bhawani Temple 28 km
Buxar Fort 55 km
Patna Sahib 60 km

Travel Tips

  • Reach the station at least 30 minutes before your train departs.
  • Keep your ticket and valid photo ID ready.
  • Check your platform through digital display boards before boarding.
  • Use only authorized porters for luggage assistance.
  • Try local Litti Chokha from reputed outlets outside the station if you have time.
  • Download the NTES or IRCTC Rail Connect app for real-time train updates.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the station code of Ara Junction?

A: The station code of Ara Junction is ARA.

Q: How many platforms are there at Ara Junction?

A: Ara Junction has 4 platforms serving express, superfast, passenger, and MEMU trains.

Q: Which railway zone manages Ara Junction?

A: The station comes under the East Central Railway (ECR) and is managed by the Danapur Division.

Q: Is Ara Junction the same as Arrah Railway Station?

A: Yes. Ara Junction and Arrah Railway Station refer to the same railway station serving Arrah city in Bihar.

Q: Is free Wi-Fi available at Ara Junction?

A: Yes, passengers can use free Wi-Fi within the station premises.

Q: Which is the nearest airport to Ara Junction?

A: Jay Prakash Narayan International Airport, Patna, is approximately 45 km away.

Q: Which railway stations are located near Ara Junction?

A: Nearby stations include Jagjivan Halt, Jamira Halt, Udwant Nagar Halt, Karisath, and Koelwar.

Q: Why is Ara Junction an important railway station?

A: Ara Junction is an important station on the Howrah–Patna–Delhi main line and serves as the primary railway gateway for Arrah and the Bhojpur district.

Conclusion

Ara Junction is one of Bihar’s important railway stations, offering excellent connectivity to Patna, Delhi, Kolkata, Varanasi, and many other major cities. With essential passenger services, convenient transport options, nearby hotels, and easy access to Arrah’s historical attractions, the station provides a smooth travel experience for daily commuters as well as long-distance travelers. Whether you’re visiting Bhojpur district for business, education, or tourism, planning your journey with the right station information can help make your trip comfortable and hassle-free.

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