Daijiworld Media Network - Patna
Patna, Sep 29: In a significant move to enhance rail connectivity and provide budget-friendly travel options, union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday launched seven new train services originating from Bihar. The inauguration was conducted virtually from New Delhi, with Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary leading a symbolic ceremony at Patna Junction.
The highlight of the launch is the introduction of three Amrit Bharat Express trains, designed to offer economical long-distance travel for lower and middle-income passengers. These trains will now run on the following routes:
• Darbhanga to Madar (Ajmer)
• Muzaffarpur to Charlapalli (Hyderabad)
• Chhapra to Anand Vihar (Delhi)
In addition, four passenger trains aimed at improving intra-state mobility were also flagged off. These new services will run on shorter routes connecting:
• Jhajha – Danapur
• Patna – Buxar
• Nawada – Patna
• Patna – Islampur
Speaking on the occasion, railway minister Vaishnaw emphasized the importance of affordable and reliable transportation for Bihar’s migrant workforce and daily commuters. “Guided by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and in collaboration with Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, we are launching trains that prioritize connectivity and affordability,” he stated.
Vaishnaw also acknowledged Nitish Kumar’s earlier tenure as railway minister, noting that under his leadership, Indian Railways witnessed remarkable progress. “There was a period of stagnation from 2004 to 2014, but under PM Modi’s leadership, the Railways have entered a transformative phase once again,” he added.
The Amrit Bharat Express is seen as a more accessible counterpart to the premium Vande Bharat trains, aligning with the central government’s aim to modernize Indian Railways without compromising affordability.
At the Patna ceremony, deputy CM Samrat Choudhary expressed appreciation for the Centre’s continued focus on Bihar’s infrastructure. “Thanks to PM Modi, CM Nitish Kumar, and Minister Vaishnaw, Bihar is witnessing rapid development in both rail and road sectors,” he said.
He also revealed plans for upcoming infrastructure projects, including:
• A ring road in Bhagalpur
• A four-lane highway from Sultanganj (Bhagalpur) to Deoghar (Jharkhand)
• A new railway line connecting these two pilgrimage destinations
Highlighting the scale of investment, Choudhary pointed out that while Bihar received just Rs 1,000 crore annually for railways under the UPA regime, the Modi government has invested over Rs 1 lakh crore in the last 11 years for the state’s railway development.
With these new train services and infrastructure projects, Bihar is poised for a major leap in connectivity, ensuring better access and mobility for its people across the region and beyond.