The 51 km railway line from Bhagalpur to Banka and Mandar Hill already existed.

Passenger train services exist from Bhagalpur to Banka, Dumka and Godda.

Godda–New Delhi Humsafar Express is the only premium train which runs on this route and Ranchi Godda Exp runs as a triweekly service on this route, connecting Santhal Parganas to the national capital and Jharkhand's capital.

The 32-kilometre (20 mi) Hansdiha–Godda section was inaugurated on 8 April 2021 and a Humsafar Express runs weekly from Godda to New Delhi.

This line is considered important to connect the Godda district in the Santhal Pargana division of Jharkhand with the rest of India.