Saharsa is the divisional headquarters of the Koshi Division and one of the most important cities in northeastern Bihar. The city is situated near the eastern banks of the Koshi River and serves as the administrative headquarters of Saharsa District. As a divisional capital, Saharsa houses the Divisional Commissioner's office, district administration, courts, and numerous government departments that oversee the entire Koshi region.

Saharsa is part of the historic Mithila region, which gained prominence during the Vedic era as the Kingdom of the Videhas. The kings of Videha were referred to as Janakas, and the region has a rich legacy of learning, philosophy, and culture that continues to influence local traditions. The city blends this ancient heritage with its role as a modern administrative and commercial centre.

Saharsa Junction is a major A-category railway station under the Samastipur Division of East Central Railway. It is one of the top 50 rail ticket booking stations in India and connects directly to New Delhi, Kolkata, Amritsar, Bandra (Mumbai), and Ranchi via regular express and superfast trains. The nearest operational airport is Darbhanga Airport, located approximately 97 km away, with flights to major Indian cities.

Saharsa is a major producer and exporter of corn and Makhana (fox nuts), with exports reaching international markets including America, Australia, France, Japan, and England. The city and its surrounding agricultural belt also produce rice, mangoes, litchi, bamboo, and wheat. This agricultural wealth makes the Saharsa region an important contributor to Bihar's economy.

The city is well connected via National Highways NH 107, NH 327E, and NH 527E, linking it to the rest of Bihar and India. Important facilities in Saharsa include Lord Buddha Koshi Medical College, Saharsa College of Engineering, and numerous government offices. The city has a population of approximately 1.5 lakh. Saharsa is connected to Simrahi via a well-maintained road, and the 35 km drive takes about 50 minutes. Regular shared vehicles and buses operate between Simrahi and Saharsa throughout the day.