Bihar: Public Demand Grows to Rename Bakhtiyarpur Junction as ‘Magadh Dwar’

Nalanda, Bihar: The demand to rename Bakhtiyarpur Junction has gained momentum, with several organizations urging the government to change the station’s name to ‘Magadh Dwar’. Activists argue that it is inappropriate for a major railway junction to bear the name of Bakhtiyar Khilji, the historical invader responsible for the destruction of the renowned Nalanda University.

In a joint initiative, the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), Bajrang Dal, and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) organized a “Change Message Yatra” from Biharsharif. The convoy of vehicles carried a clear message to both the state and central governments: rename the station to reflect Bihar’s rich historical and cultural heritage.

Historical and Cultural Concerns
Speakers at the event highlighted that Bakhtiyar Khilji, despite consuming the region’s resources, committed the heinous act of burning Nalanda University, destroying thousands of years of India’s knowledge tradition. They argued that naming a prominent railway junction after such a figure symbolizes oppression, violence, and cultural destruction, sending a wrong message to future generations.

The proposed name, ‘Magadh Dwar’, would honor the ancient Magadh civilization, the land of emperors, the scholarly tradition of Nalanda and Rajgir, and Bihar’s proud historical legacy. Organizers emphasized that this campaign is not against any community or group, but seeks to protect Bihar’s identity, pride, and cultural heritage.

Strategic Importance of Bakhtiyarpur Junction
Bakhtiyarpur Junction (station code: BKP) is located in the Danapur Railway Division under the East Central Railway zone. It lies on the Patna–Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction route, connecting Delhi and Kolkata. Several express trains from Patna, Howrah, and Sialdah bound for Barauni halt here, making it a key transit point approximately 46 km from Patna.

Activists and locals have urged the government to respect public sentiment and promptly rename the station ‘Magadh Dwar’, reinforcing Bihar’s historical pride for residents and visitors alike.