PATNA: Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday flagged off three Amrit Bharat Express trains and four new passenger trains for Bihar via video conferencing, significantly enhancing connectivity across the state.
The newly inaugurated Amrit Bharat trains include the Darbhanga–Ajmer Amrit Bharat Express, Muzaffarpur–Hyderabad Express, and Chhapra–Delhi Amrit Bharat Express. Together, these trains will connect 25 districts in Bihar, covering 62 stoppages, providing improved rail access for passengers.
Addressing the launch, Vaishnaw highlighted the substantial progress in Bihar’s railway infrastructure: “Bihar used to have a railway budget of only Rs 1,000 crore, which has now increased tenfold to Rs 10,000 crore. The railway network is fully electrified, 1,899 km of new tracks have been laid, and multiple development projects are underway.”
He also noted the operational growth under the Amrit Bharat project, stating, “Currently, 28 Vande Bharat services operate in Bihar, connecting 25 districts with 42 stoppages. Under the Amrit Bharat initiative, 28 districts will be linked with 62 unique stoppages. Additionally, the Namo Bharat train service has been inaugurated in the state.”
Highlighting preparations for upcoming festive travel during Diwali and Chhath Puja, Vaishnaw said, “Last year, over 7,500 special trains were run during the festive season. This year, arrangements have been made for more than 12,500 special trains to manage passenger demand.”
He congratulated the people of Bihar for the new rail services, adding, “Under the guidance of the Prime Minister and Chief Minister, several new trains are being introduced for the state. This includes the Darbhanga–Ajmer, Muzaffarpur–Hyderabad, Chhapra–Delhi Amrit Bharat Express trains, along with four new passenger trains.”
Vaishnaw concluded by emphasizing Bihar’s growing role in national development: “With the blessings of the Prime Minister and the leadership of the Chief Minister, railway development in Bihar is progressing rapidly. Bihar is poised to reclaim its glorious history and contribute significantly to the nation’s growth.”