Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for railway projects worth over Rs 5381 crore in Bihar on Friday. During a ceremony in Motihari, Modi also launched development projects worth Rs 7200 crore related to railways, roads, rural development, fisheries, electronics, and information technology sectors.
The Prime Minister dedicated several railway projects aimed at strengthening communication and infrastructure to the nation, including automated signaling on the Samastipur-Bachhwara rail line.
During the event, Modi also laid the foundation for multiple railway projects, such as infrastructure development for Vande Bharat train maintenance in Patliputra, automated signaling on the Bhatni-Chhapra rural rail line (114 km), and upgrading the traction system in the Bhatni-Chhapra rural section at a cost of Rs 232 crore.
By reinforcing the traction system infrastructure and optimizing energy efficiency, train speeds will increase. He also initiated the doubling of the Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line project, costing approximately Rs 4,080 crore. This will enable more passenger and freight trains, improving connectivity between North Bihar and the rest of the country.
The Prime Minister virtually flagged off four Amrit Bharat Express trains. These trains, equipped with high-speed and state-of-the-art facilities similar to Vande Bharat, include the Patna-New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express, Malda Town-Gomtinagar (Lucknow) Amrit Bharat Express, Darbhanga-Gomtinagar (Lucknow) Amrit Bharat Express, and the Amrit Bharat Express running from Motihari’s Bapudham to Delhi’s Anand Vihar.
This high-speed train will feature modern amenities and operate at around 130 km/h. It will cover the approximately 1000 km journey between Patna and Delhi in just 10 hours. The train will have only general and sleeper coaches, with no AC coaches.
Passengers on this train will enjoy facilities comparable to Vande Bharat. The Patna-Delhi Amrit Bharat Express will halt at around 12 junctions, including Ara, Buxar, Deen Dayal Upadhyay Nagar (DDU), Mirzapur, Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, and Etawah Junction.
Each seat on the train will have charging points. For passenger safety, CCTV cameras have been installed in all coaches. Additionally, clean and high-tech toilets have been provided. Digital boards and improved lighting are also available in coaches for important passenger information.
A Vande Bharat maintenance center will be established at the Patliputra Coaching Complex at a cost of Rs 283 crore. Five different types of lines will be built here for the daily maintenance of Vande Bharat trains. The tender for its construction has already been issued.
Modi dedicated the automated signaling system between Samastipur and Bachhwara, costing Rs 53 crore, to the nation. He also inaugurated the automatic signaling system between Bhatni and Chhapra (part of the Gorakhpur Cantt-Chhapra rural rail section) at a cost of Rs 153 crore.
Samastipur-Bachhwara rail line
The **Samastipur-Bachhwara rail line** is a railway route in the Indian state of Bihar, connecting Samastipur to Bachhwara. It serves as an important transportation link for local communities and industries, facilitating trade and passenger travel in the region. The line is part of the broader Indian Railways network, contributing to Bihar’s regional connectivity and economic development.
Vande Bharat train maintenance in Patliputra
The Vande Bharat train maintenance facility in Patliputra (Patna), Bihar, is a key hub for servicing India’s advanced semi-high-speed trains. Established to enhance rail infrastructure in the region, the facility supports the operational efficiency of the indigenous Vande Bharat Express trains, which began service in 2019. The site reflects India’s push for modernizing rail transport and boosting regional connectivity.
Bhatni-Chhapra rural rail line
The Bhatni-Chhapra rural rail line is a small railway route in Uttar Pradesh, India, connecting Bhatni Junction to Chhapra. Established during British colonial rule, it serves as an important local transport link for rural communities in the region. The line facilitates passenger travel and trade, supporting connectivity in eastern Uttar Pradesh and nearby Bihar.
Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line
The Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line is a significant railway route in the northern part of Bihar, India, connecting Darbhanga, a historic cultural and educational hub, with Narkatiaganj, a town near the Nepal border. Established during the British colonial era, the line plays a vital role in regional transportation, facilitating trade and passenger travel. It also reflects the historical development of railways in eastern India, serving as a key link for local communities and economic activities.
Patna-New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express
The **Patna-New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express** is a recently launched train service connecting Patna, Bihar, to New Delhi, enhancing rail connectivity in India. Introduced as part of the **Amrit Bharat** scheme, it aims to provide faster, more efficient travel with modern amenities. The initiative reflects India’s efforts to upgrade rail infrastructure and improve passenger comfort on key routes.
Malda Town-Gomtinagar Amrit Bharat Express
The **Malda Town-Gomtinagar Amrit Bharat Express** is a recently introduced train service in India, connecting Malda Town in West Bengal to Gomtinagar (Lucknow) in Uttar Pradesh. Launched as part of the Indian Railways’ **Amrit Bharat** scheme, it aims to enhance connectivity and provide affordable travel options, particularly for migrant workers and long-distance passengers. The train features modern amenities and reflects the government’s focus on improving rail infrastructure under the **Amrit Bharat Station Scheme**, which aims to redevelop over 1,300 stations nationwide.
Darbhanga-Gomtinagar Amrit Bharat Express
The **Darbhanga-Gomtinagar Amrit Bharat Express** is a newly launched train service in India, connecting Darbhanga in Bihar to Gomtinagar (Lucknow) in Uttar Pradesh. Introduced as part of the **Amrit Bharat** scheme, it aims to enhance rail connectivity for underserved regions, featuring modern amenities and improved efficiency. The service reflects India’s efforts to upgrade rail infrastructure and promote regional development.
Motihari’s Bapudham to Delhi’s Anand Vihar Amrit Bharat Express
The **Amrit Bharat Express** is a newly launched train connecting **Motihari’s Bapudham** (a significant site linked to Mahatma Gandhi’s Champaran Satyagraha in 1917) to **Delhi’s Anand Vihar Terminal**. This modern, push-pull locomotive train aims to enhance rail connectivity for passengers, especially in Bihar, while honoring India’s historical and cultural heritage. The route reflects a blend of contemporary infrastructure and tribute to the freedom struggle associated with Motihari.
