These Days Bureau
Patna, September 29, 2025
In a significant boost to Bihar’s railway infrastructure, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, flagged off seven new trains, including three state-of-the-art Amrit Bharat Express trains and four passenger trains, on Sunday. This milestone marks a new chapter in Bihar’s journey towards enhanced connectivity, economic growth, and modernization, aligning with the vision of “Viksit Bihar Se Viksit Bharat” (Developed India through a Developed Bihar).
Amrit Bharat Express: Strengthening National Connectivity
The three newly launched Amrit Bharat Express trains are set to enhance Bihar’s connectivity with key regions across India, including Telangana, Rajasthan, and Delhi. The trains include:
- Darbhanga – Ajmer (Madar) Amrit Bharat Express: Connecting Bihar with Rajasthan, this train will facilitate travel for passengers seeking access to western India.
- Muzaffarpur – Hyderabad (Charlapalli) Amrit Bharat Express: This is the first Amrit Bharat train linking Muzaffarpur to South India, fostering stronger ties between Bihar and Telangana.
- Chhapra – Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal) Amrit Bharat Express: The sixth Amrit Bharat train connecting Bihar to the national capital, offering a faster and more comfortable travel option.
With these additions, Bihar now operates 26 Amrit Bharat Express services out of the 30 running nationwide, underscoring the state’s pivotal role in India’s railway modernization. These trains, developed indigenously by Indian Railways, are equipped with advanced features such as semi-automatic couplers, fire detection systems, sealed gangways, and talk-back units, ensuring a safe, fast, and comfortable journey. Notably, these advanced technologies have been introduced in non-AC coaches for the first time, making high-quality travel accessible to a broader segment of passengers.
Union Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the transformative impact of these trains, stating, “The Amrit Bharat Express is not just a train; it’s a symbol of modernization. These trains will boost economic activities, tourism, trade, and employment opportunities in Bihar by connecting the state with North and South India.”
Passenger Trains: Enhancing Intra-State Connectivity
In addition to the Amrit Bharat Express trains, four new passenger trains were launched to improve connectivity within Bihar, catering to the needs of the common public. These include:
- Patna – Buxar Passenger
- Jhajha – Danapur Passenger
- Nawada – Patna Passenger
- Patna – Islampur Passenger
These passenger trains are designed to make travel more convenient for residents, fostering economic and social activities across various districts. By improving intra-state connectivity, these trains will provide affordable and reliable transportation options for daily commuters and local travelers.
Bihar’s Railway Transformation:
A Decade of Progress
Speaking via video conference during the flag-off ceremony, Union Minister Vaishnaw emphasized the remarkable progress in Bihar’s railway infrastructure since 2014 under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership. He noted that the annual railway budget for Bihar has increased tenfold, from ₹1,000 crore before 2014 to ₹10,000 crore in 2025. Additionally, railway projects worth approximately ₹1 lakh crore are currently underway in the state, reflecting the government’s commitment to Bihar’s development.
Vaishnaw highlighted that Bihar’s railway network is now fully electrified, and 1,899 km of new tracks have been laid since 2014. He also listed key infrastructure projects completed in the state, including the 28 km Patna Rail-cum-Road Bridge, the 15 km Munger Rail-cum-Road Bridge, and the long-awaited Kosi Bridge. These projects, along with 21 major railway initiatives such as new lines, gauge conversions, and doubling or adding third and fourth lines, have significantly enhanced Bihar’s connectivity and infrastructure.
Key Railway Projects Completed Since 2014
Some of the notable projects fully commissioned in Bihar include:
- New Lines: Daniawan–Biharsharif, Chandan–Banka, Rampurhat–Mandarhill, Maharajganj–Masrakh, Rajgir–Tilaiya, and Natesar–Islampur.
- Gauge Conversions: Mansi–Saharsa–Purnia, Jaynagar–Narkatiaganj, Kaptanganj–Chapra, Sakri–Nirmali, Saharsa–Forbesganj, and Banmankhi–Bihariganj.-
- Doubling Projects: Sahibganj–Pirpainti, Maheshkunth–Thanabhpur, Hajipur–Ramdayalu Nagar, Pirpainti–Bhagalpur, Bakhtiyarpur–Barh, Kiul–Gaya, and Hajipur–Bachhwara.
- Other Infrastructure: Darbhanga Bypass and the Araria–Galgalhia (Thakurganj) New Line, set to be inaugurated shortly.
Ongoing and Future Projects
The Union Minister also outlined several ongoing projects aimed at further strengthening Bihar’s railway network. These include new lines such as Sakri–Hasanpur, Khagaria–Kusheshwarsthan, Kursela–Bihariganj, and Tilaiya–Koderma, as well as doubling and third/fourth line works like Samastipur–Darbhanga, Sagauli–Valmikinagar, and Muzaffarpur–Sagauli. These projects are expected to further enhance connectivity and support the state’s economic growth.
Vaishnaw added that planning for additional railway projects is underway, ensuring continued development in the sector. Currently, 13 Amrit Bharat Express trains (26 services) operate in Bihar, covering 42 stops across 25 districts. Additionally, 10 pairs of Vande Bharat trains (20 services) serve 28 districts, and the state also benefits from Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services.
A Vision for a Golden Bihar
Union Minister Vaishnaw expressed optimism about Bihar’s future, stating, “The pace of development in Bihar is such that the state is set to emerge as a golden state in the near future. These new trains and infrastructure projects are a testament to PM Modi’s vision for a developed Bihar, which will pave the way for a developed India.”
The introduction of these seven new trains, combined with the completion of major railway projects and ongoing infrastructure development, underscores the government’s commitment to transforming Bihar into a hub of connectivity and economic activity. By providing safe, fast, and affordable travel options, these initiatives are poised to enhance the quality of life for Bihar’s residents and contribute to the state’s overall growth.
