[1][2] In the early 1960s, when Farakka Barrage was being constructed, a radical change was made in the railway system north of the Ganges.

[3] 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.

This railway division was formed in 1984 and its headquarter is located at Malda in the state of West Bengal, India.

The ruins of the historic cities of Gour & Pandua are approachable from Malda Town railway station.