The most important connection was the Calcutta–Parbatipur–Haldibari–Siliguri link first established in 1878 and then developed in stages (for details see Howrah–New Jalpaiguri line).

In pre-independence days, a 1,000 mm (3 ft 3+3⁄8 in) metre gauge railway track running via Radhikapur, Biral, Parbatipur, Tista, Gitaldaha and Golokganj connected Fakiragram in Assam with Katihar in Bihar.

The 265 km long 1,676 mm (5 ft 6 in) broad gauge Siliguri–Jogihopa railway line was constructed between 1963 and 1965.

Most of the long-distance trains from other parts of India pass through and stop at New Alipurdur railway junction as it is connected with double track to Assam and the rest of Bengal.

The older Alipurduar Junction was on metre-gauge track that was converted to broad gauge much later and fewer trains pass through Alipurduar Jn station.