When Muzaffarpur’s first motor bus rolled onto the roads in 1925, it wasn’t just a journey; it was a leap of faith into the future. From connecting the bustling town of Muzaffarpur to Sitamarhi in Mithila, this historic moment, led by the visionary BNW Railway guard Gulab Rai, marked the beginning of a transport revolution in Bihar.
The Bold Beginnings of 1925
In an era when resources were scarce, and the concept of public transport was novel, starting a motor bus service was nothing short of audacious. Operating near the railway station, a central commercial hub, the service initially faced challenges. With a fare of ₹1.8—considered steep for the time—the bus crossed two toll bridges. Limited passengers and high costs led to its early discontinuation. But its brief stint sowed the seeds of modern transport in Muzaffarpur.
The Rise of Connectivity
Post-independence, Muzaffarpur’s transportation network flourished. The introduction of National Highways (NH) and State Highways (SH) positioned the district as North Bihar’s commercial epicenter. Major routes like NH 77, NH 28, NH 722, NH 57, and NH 102 interconnected the district with other parts of Bihar and beyond. This infrastructure laid the foundation for seamless trade, travel, and economic growth.
Before these advancements, rivers served as lifelines for trade and travel. For instance, reaching Patna meant navigating via waterways. However, the advent of railways in 1886 and later roadways revolutionized accessibility, transforming Muzaffarpur into a transport hub.
The Vehicle Enthusiasts of Muzaffarpur
Muzaffarpur has always been a district ahead of its time. In the 1920s, entrepreneur Mahadev Shah brought the region’s first car. This was a time when cars symbolized progress, and buses introduced communities to the concept of shared mobility.
Railways: A Game-Changer
Railway connectivity arrived in Muzaffarpur in 1886, with the Tirhut State Railway linking the region by 1875. This network expanded rapidly, connecting Bihar with key areas of present-day Uttar Pradesh. By 1953, Muzaffarpur became a part of North Eastern Railway, solidifying its role as a transport and commercial hub.
A Century of Milestones
Muzaffarpur’s journey in transportation, from challenges to triumphs, mirrors the district’s resilience and vision. Starting as a single bus route, today, it boasts a comprehensive network of highways, railways, and roads that connect every corner of Bihar.
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