Katihar

Katihar is a major town of north-eastern Bihar (Seemanchal) whose modern growth is closely tied to rail and trade. Its importance rose in the late 19th century when multiple metre-gauge lines were opened around Katihar—sections such as Manihari–Katihar–Kasba (1888) and Barsoi–Kishanganj (1889)—and Katihar Junction emerged as a key node (opened 1889). Over time, the junction became one of eastern India’s most strategic rail points, linking Bihar to North Bengal and the Northeast; later gauge conversion and network expansion further strengthened its role. The region’s economy also benefited from agro-trade and industries like jute, which added to Katihar’s commercial prominence in the 20th century.

Administratively, Katihar was earlier a sub-divisional town under Purnea, and the official district history notes that it gained the status of an independent district on 2 October 1973. (Some Bihar administrative summaries mention the carving out in 1976, reflecting differing references in official overviews.) Today, Katihar remains an administrative headquarters and a “gateway” district—especially through the Northeast Frontier Railway’s Katihar Division, established as a key route toward the Northeast.