Siliguri was connected to Kolkata via the eastern part of Bengal since 1878 (for details see Howrah–New Jalpaiguri line).

In the early 1960s, when Farakka Barrage was being constructed, Indian Railways took the initiative to extend 5 ft 6 in (1,676 mm) broad-gauge rail link from Kolkata.

[2] The 2,240 m (7,350 ft) long Farakka Barrage carries a rail-cum-road bridge across the Ganges.

The rail bridge was opened in 1971 thereby linking the Barharwa–Azimganj–Katwa loop to Malda, New Jalpaiguri and other railway stations in North Bengal.

railway station: There are eight functional platforms at Katihar Junction which are interconnected and have multiple foot overbridges.