On March 5, 2025, a significant meeting of the Sonpur Division Parliamentary Committee was held to discuss the development of railways and passenger facilities in the region. The meeting saw the presence of honourable MPs from various constituencies under the Sonpur Division’s jurisdiction. It was chaired by Rajiv Pratap Rudy, the honourable MP from Saran.
Senior railway officials, including Eastern Central Railway’s General Manager Chhatrasal Singh and Sonpur Divisional Railway Manager Vivek Bhushan Sood, were also present, along with other senior officers. The meeting was a platform to discuss public concerns, infrastructure development, and service improvements in the railway sector.
Key Attendees
Sonpur Division Parliamentary Committee Meeting
 |
 |
 |
| अजय कुमार मंडल Member of the Lok Sabha | राज भूषण चौधरी Minister of State for Jal Shakti of India | सांभवी चौधरी Lok Janshakti Party |
 |
 |
 |
| राम नाथ ठाकुर Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare of India | वीणा देवी 3rd Parliamentary Chairperson of the Lok Janshakti Party | राजीव प्रताप रूडी Member of Parliament |
Several distinguished political leaders and their representatives participated in the meeting. Among them were:
Union Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Ramnath Thakur
Union Minister of State for Jal Shakti, Raj Bhushan Chaudhary
Bhagalpur MP, Ajay Kumar Mandal
Vaishali MP, Veena Devi
Samastipur MP, Shambhavi
Additionally, representatives of key Union Ministers were also present:
Prabhakar Kumar Rai (on behalf of Union Minister Giriraj Singh)
Awadhesh Kumar Singh (on behalf of Union Minister Chirag Paswan)
Shiv Kumar Singh (on behalf of Union Minister of State for Home Affairs, Nityanand Rai)
Pawan Jaiswal (representing MP Rajesh Verma)
Simranjeet Singh (representing MP Tariq Anwar)
Their presence emphasized the importance of the discussion, ensuring that railway development and passenger needs were addressed at both regional and national levels.
Key Discussions and Suggestions
The meeting revolved around several crucial aspects of railway development, with MPs and their representatives sharing valuable inputs. Some of the key points of discussion included:
1. Infrastructure Development
The completion of ongoing railway infrastructure projects was given top priority. MPs stressed the need to accelerate work on new tracks, station modernization, and better connectivity for passengers.
2. Improvement in Passenger Facilities
The discussion also focused on enhancing passenger comfort by improving waiting areas, sanitation facilities, and digital ticketing systems. It was suggested that more footbridges and escalators be installed at major railway stations to ease movement.
3. Train Halts at Key Stations
A major concern raised was the halt of certain trains at important railway stations. Many MPs requested that additional train stops be considered at key stations to improve accessibility for passengers from smaller towns and villages.
4. Safety and Security Measures
The issue of passenger safety was discussed at length. MPs emphasized the need for better security arrangements, including more CCTV surveillance, increased Railway Protection Force (RPF) personnel, and improved lighting at railway stations.
5. Future Planning for Rail Connectivity
The meeting also covered long-term plans for enhancing rail connectivity. Proposals were made to introduce new train routes, expand electrification projects, and improve freight transport facilities to boost economic growth in the region.
Railway Officials’ Response
At the beginning of the meeting, Eastern Central Railway General Manager Chhatrasal Singh extended a warm welcome to the MPs and their representatives. He presented a detailed report on the achievements of Sonpur Division, including:
Recent upgrades in passenger services
Progress in infrastructure development
Upcoming railway projects in the region
He acknowledged the suggestions provided by the MPs and assured them that their feedback would play a crucial role in shaping the future plans of the railway division. He also expressed gratitude for their participation, emphasizing that such meetings help in setting realistic and effective goals for railway development.
Conclusion
The Sonpur Division Parliamentary Committee meeting was a crucial step in addressing railway-related concerns and advancing developmental projects. With the active participation of MPs, their representatives, and railway officials, the meeting successfully highlighted key issues such as infrastructure expansion, passenger safety, and train halts at important stations.
The railway officials assured that these concerns would be taken into consideration while formulating future policies. As rail transport remains a lifeline for millions in India, such meetings play a vital role in ensuring that railway services are efficient, accessible, and continuously improving.
With collaborative efforts between the government and railway authorities, the future of the Sonpur Division looks promising, with better facilities, smoother connectivity, and enhanced passenger experiences.
