Gulabbagh

Gulabbagh is a well-known neighborhood in Purnia, Bihar, recognized for its vast agricultural market—Asia's largest maize trading center.^[1] Locally referred to simply as Mandi, it plays a vital role in the region's economy. In recent years, Gulabbagh has also emerged as a growing automobile hub in eastern Bihar, thanks to major highways like NH 27 and NH 231 that pass through it. Culturally, it holds a special place as the setting for the famous novel Maila Anchal by Phanishwar Nath Renu, which captures the essence of the Gulabbagh Mela and rural life in Bihar.

Gulabbagh
Neighborhood
Gulabbagh Location in Bihar, India Show map of Bihar Gulabbagh Location in India Show map of India
Coordinates: 25.79°N 87.54°E / 25.79; 87.54
Country	India
State	Bihar
District	Purnia district
Urban Agglomeration	Purnia
Division	Purnia division
Government
• Type	Nagar Nigam
• Body	Purnia Municipal Corporation
• MLA	Vijay Khemka
• District Magistrate	Kundan Kumar (IAS)
• Mayor	Vibha Kumari
Languages
• Spoken	Hindi, English, Maithili and Angika
Time zone	UTC+5:30
PIN	854326
Parliament constituencies	Purnia
Vidhan Sabha constituencies	Purnia

Economic Activities

Gulabbagh is a thriving economic center in Purnia, primarily known for its bustling trade in maize, grains, and other agricultural products. It serves as a major trading hub, attracting merchants and buyers from across India, especially from neighboring regions like Nepal and West Bengal. The agricultural market here plays a crucial role in the regional supply chain, making Gulabbagh a key player in eastern India's agrarian economy.

In addition to agriculture, Gulabbagh has seen rapid growth in the automobile sector. It is home to several car showrooms of prominent Indian brands, including Maruti Suzuki, further boosting local commerce and employment. Its exceptional location adds to its economic significance—positioned along the East-West Corridor (NH 27), one of India's busiest highways, and just 2 km from Purnia Junction, Gulabbagh enjoys excellent connectivity, making it a strategic spot for trade and business.

Transportation

Roadways

Gulabbagh serves as a major transportation hub in Bihar, with one of the most important zero mile points in the state. It lies along National Highway 27 (NH-27), part of the East-West Corridor, and is the terminating point of National Highway 231 (NH-231). This strategic location ensures excellent road connectivity in all directions.

• Northbound, the highway connects Gulabbagh to Forbesganj, Darbhanga, and Muzaffarpur.
• Eastward, it leads to major cities such as Siliguri, Guwahati, and Kolkata.
• To the south, it provides access to Bhagalpur, Begusarai, and Patna.
• Westward, it connects to Line Bazar, Madhepura, and Saharsa.

Railways

In addition to roadways, Gulabbagh enjoys proximity to Purnia Junction, located just 2 km away. This major railway station links the region to the national rail network, enhancing passenger and freight movement across the country.

Airways

Air connectivity is also set to improve, with Purnia Airport expected to open soon. Until then, the nearest operational commercial airport is Bagdogra Airport, located in West Bengal.