Bihar rail connectivity: 7 new trains flagged off including 3 Amrit Bharat express; passenger travel, economic activity set to get boost

Union minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, along with Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, on Monday inaugurated seven new trains in Bihar, including three Amrit Bharat Express services. The launch raises the total Amrit Bharat Express services originating from Bihar to 26 out of 30 nationwide, strengthening connectivity within the state and across the country.The newly flagged trains include the Muzaffarpur–Charlapalli Amrit Bharat Express, the first from Muzaffarpur to South India, and the Chhapra–Anand Vihar Express, the sixth Amrit Bharat service linking Bihar to Delhi. In addition, four passenger trains – Patna–Buxar, Jhajha–Danapur, Nawada–Patna, and Patna–Islampur – were launched to enhance intra-state connectivity.Addressing the occasion via video conference, Union Minister Vaishnaw highlighted the growth of Bihar’s railway infrastructure. “Since 2014, the annual railway budget for Bihar has grown from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore, with nearly Rs 1 lakh crore worth of projects under execution,” he said. He added that key projects such as the Patna Rail-cum-Road Bridge, Munger Rail-cum-Road Bridge, and the Kosi Bridge have been fully commissioned, significantly improving regional mobility.The Amrit Bharat Express, developed by Indian Railways, is a symbol of modernisation in train services. These trains feature advanced safety and convenience technologies, including semi-automatic couplers, fire detection systems, sealed gangways, and talk-back units in non-AC coaches – a first in India. The services are expected to accelerate passenger movement, tourism, and economic activity across Bihar.Vaishnaw also underlined the completion of 21 major railway projects since 2014, including new lines, gauge conversions, and doubling of tracks. Among them are Daniawan–Biharsharif, Chandan–Banka, Rampurhat–Mandarhill new lines, and Kiul–Gaya doubling, in addition to several other strategic expansions across the state.Currently, Bihar hosts 13 Amrit Bharat Express trains covering 42 stops in 25 districts, alongside 20 Vande Bharat services across 28 districts and operational Namo Bharat Rapid Rail services. The addition of the new trains is expected to further streamline travel across Bihar, enhancing convenience, boosting local economies, and supporting social development.