The response to Unstarred Question No. 2051, to be answered on 11.02.2026 by the Minister of Railways, concerns the restoration of parcel service to Sugauli Station. The decision to open or close any station for parcel traffic is made by Zonal Railways based on traffic potential and operational feasibility. Parcel handling at Sugauli station was closed by East Central Railway with effect from 24.10.2024. Motihari and Raxaul stations are available for booking parcels from Howrah by train no. 13021 Mithila Express. The Zonal Railway has been advised to consult with stakeholders and consider re-opening the parcel office at Sugauli if feasible.
Key Entities Referenced
Ministry of Railways: The primary government body responsible for rail transportation, as the question is addressed to the Minister of Railways.
Sugauli: A railway station where parcel services are being considered for restoration.
Mithila Express: Train no. 13021, used for parcel transport mentioned in the question.
Zonal Railways: The entities responsible for decisions regarding the opening and closure of stations for handling parcel traffic.
East Central Railway: The specific Zonal Railway that closed the parcel handling at Sugauli Station.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2051
TO BE ANSWERED ON 11.02.2026
RESTORATION OF PARCEL SERVICE TO SUGAULI STATION
†2051. SHRI SUNIL KUMAR:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) whether parcels were previously transported to Sugauli by the 13021
Mithila Express;
(b) if so, whether the parcels are now only being transported from Howrah
to Motihari;
(c) whether the Government is aware that businessmen in the Valmikinagar
Lok Sabha constituency have been receiving large quantities of goods
from Howrah via the Mithila Express and that they are now facing
difficulties because the service no longer extends to Sugauli; and
(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to reinstating the parcel
service to Sugauli station?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d): The decision regarding opening and closure of any station for
handling of parcel traffic is taken by the Zonal Railways on the basis of the
traffic potential and operational feasibility. Parcel handling at Sugauli
station was closed by East Central Railway with effect from 24.10.2024.
However, Motihari and Raxaul station in the vicinity of Sugauli station are
available for booking of parcels from Howrah by train no. 13021 Mithila
Express.
Further, Zonal Railway has been advised to hold consultation with
stakeholders and if feasible, consider re-opening the parcel office at
Sugauli.
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