The sections of the Bengal and North-Western Railway
serving the Gorakhpur district are as follows :—
Main Zone —
Traversing the southern half of the district for
a distance of about 78 miles, entering pargana Salempur near
Bankata station and thence running in a north-west direction
through the stations of Bhatpar Rani, Bhatni, Nunkhar, tahsil
Deoria, Gauri Bazar, Chauri Chaura and Kushmi to Gorakhpur,
whence its course is due west through Domingarh, Jagatbela and
Sahjanwa into the Basti district. This section was opened to
traffic on 15th January, 1885. Near Jagatbela the lino crosses
the Rapti by a bridge 1.445 feet in length, which was completed
in June, 1886.
Uska Bazar Branch .—
This branch runs northwards from
Gorakhpur through the stations of Maniram, Peepiganj, Rawat-ganj, Campierganj, Pharenda, Lehra and Bridgmanganj,
where it turns west towards Uska and thence via Tulsipore
to rejoin the main line at Qonda. The 37 miles which lie in
the Gorakhpur district were opened on 16th December, 1886,
Bhatni-Banaras Branch.—
This branch runs south-west from
Bhatni through the stations of Salimpur, Lar Road, Turtipar,
a distance of 17 miles, where it crosses the Gogra by a bridge
3,911 feet in length. From Salimpur an offshoot of this branch
runs westward to Satraon and Barhaj on the Gogra.
Bagaha Branch —
This line, runs north-east through Pipraich
and Bodarwar to Captainganj, where it bends northwards,
keeping to the west of the Chota-Gandak river through Ghughli
to Siswa Bazar. About two miles beyond this station it turns
east, crosses the river and runs on to Khada and Chhitauni
crossing into the Ohamparan district. The branch was opened
on the 7th February, 1907.
Additions and Alterations
Savan. This line, of which about 46 miles is in Gorakhpur
district, was opened to traffic on 26th April, 1913.
Mention may also be made of the line from Dohrighat to
Kopaganj in Azamgarh, which was completed in 1904 and has
brought Barhalganj within easy reach of the railway. The rail¬
ways are of immense help in providing cheap and rapid transport
throughout the district and import impetus to trade and general
development. Much, however, remains to be done, especially in
the matter of linking up the road system with the railway. A
branch is now under construction from Pharenda to Jfautanwan.