Major Railway Boost for Bihar: New Amrit Bharat Trains and ₹6,000+ Cr Projects Announced by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
In a major infrastructure push for Bihar, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced a series of transformative railway initiatives in Patna, including the introduction of four new Amrit Bharat trains, daily long distance services, and railway line expansion projects worth over ₹6,000 crore. These strategic projects aim to strengthen Bihar’s railway connectivity, foster regional development, and integrate the state more closely with national and southern corridors.
The announcements were made during a press briefing in Patna and are aligned with the central government’s broader vision of inclusive infrastructure development, especially in eastern India.
New Amrit Bharat Trains to Bihar
The Railways Minister unveiled four new Amrit Bharat trains that will directly connect key cities of Bihar with metropolitan and cultural hubs across India. These semi-high-speed trains are expected to improve passenger convenience and reduce travel time significantly.
Details of New Amrit Bharat Train Routes:
- Patna to Delhi (Daily Amrit Bharat)
- Darbhanga to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) – Weekly Amrit Bharat
- Malda to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) – Weekly Amrit Bharat
- Saharsa to Amritsar – Amrit Bharat service
These new routes are designed to enhance rail connectivity between Bihar and major cities in North India, thereby supporting both tourism and economic growth.
Additionally, a daily train from Jogbani to South India (Erode) has been proposed, which will further integrate Bihar with the southern industrial and textile belts.
Railway Projects Soon to be Sanctioned
Along with new trains, Ashwini Vaishnaw announced three significant infrastructure projects in Bihar that are in the final stages of approval. These projects involve third line and doubling works that will enhance capacity, reduce congestion, and boost freight movement across the state.
Upcoming Railway Infrastructure Projects:
1. Bhagalpur–Jamalpur Third Line Project
- Estimated Cost: ₹1,156 Crore
- Length: 53 km
- Purpose: To decongest the heavily used Bhagalpur-Jamalpur corridor.
2. Bakhtiyarpur–Rajgir–Tilaiya Doubling Project
- Estimated Cost: ₹2,017 Crore
- Length: 104 km
- Purpose: Improving movement between Buddhist circuit destinations and central Bihar.
3. Rampurhat–Bhagalpur Doubling Project
- Estimated Cost: ₹3,000 Crore
- Length: 177 km
- Purpose: Enhancing regional connectivity and facilitating industrial transport.
Together, these projects amount to a massive investment of over ₹6,000 crore in Bihar’s railway sector, marking one of the largest infrastructure pushes in the region in recent years.
2 New Software Technology Parks for Bihar Ready for Inauguration
In addition to railway connectivity, Ashwini Vaishnaw also highlighted efforts to modernize digital infrastructure in Bihar. Two Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs) are now ready and will soon be inaugurated.
STPI Projects Include:
- STPI Patna (Patliputra)
- Location: New Building in Patliputra, Patna
- Estimated Cost: ₹53 Crore
- Purpose: To support startups, software exports, and IT industries in Bihar’s capital.
STPI Darbhanga (Upcoming):
- Estimated Cost: ₹10+ Crore
- Purpose: Focused on boosting local tech startups and fostering digital employment.
These STPI hubs are expected to bring new opportunities for Bihar’s youth in the IT and services sector, while also supporting India’s goal of creating a robust digital economy beyond metropolitan areas.
Strategic Importance of the Railway Announcements
With Bihar having long demanded better infrastructure and connectivity, these announcements come as a timely response. The introduction of Amrit Bharat trains and doubling projects will not only boost passenger movement but will also benefit industries, agriculture, and regional logistics.
Moreover, by including connectivity to South India (Jogbani to Erode) and religious-cultural destinations (Amritsar, Rajgir), the railway ministry is addressing both economic and spiritual tourism demands of the state.
Source: AIR NEWS & PIB
Minister’s Statement
Ashwini Vaishnaw emphasized that the government is committed to making “Viksit Bihar” a reality by strengthening its transport and digital backbones. He added:
“These projects will lay the foundation for a New Bihar that is not just connected physically but is also empowered digitally. Railway connectivity is a lifeline of development, and Bihar will be at the forefront.”
Summary of Benefits for Bihar
| Project | Estimated Cost | Length/Scope | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Patna to Delhi Amrit Bharat Train | N/A | Daily Service | Faster travel between Bihar and national capital |
| Darbhanga to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) | N/A | Weekly Train | Boost religious and cultural travel |
| Malda to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) | N/A | Weekly Train | Improve Eastern India connectivity |
| Saharsa to Amritsar Amrit Bharat | N/A | New Service | Connect Bihar to Punjab religious hub |
| Jogbani to Erode (South India) | N/A | Daily Train | Link North Bihar to Southern industries |
| Bhagalpur–Jamalpur 3rd Line | ₹1,156 Cr | 53 km | Reduce congestion on key corridor |
| Bakhtiyarpur–Rajgir–Tilaiya Doubling | ₹2,017 Cr | 104 km | Boost Buddhist circuit connectivity |
| Rampurhat–Bhagalpur Doubling | ₹3,000 Cr | 177 km | Enhance freight and passenger movement |
| STPI Patna (Patliputra) | ₹53 Cr | New Building | Support IT and startups in capital region |
| Upcoming STPI Darbhanga | ₹10+ Cr | Under Development | Create digital opportunities in North Bihar |
Conclusion
The railway and digital infrastructure announcements made by Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw are a landmark step in boosting Bihar’s connectivity, economy, and digital readiness. These developments, aligned with the Amrit Kaal vision of modern India, are poised to bring long term benefits to the people of Bihar and catalyze the state’s integration into India’s growth story.
The people of Bihar can now look forward to a future with faster trains, better tracks, and smarter cities all powered by visionary policies and targeted investments.
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