Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated a record railway budget of more than ₹10,000 crore for Bihar during the current financial year, highlighting a "new way" of development for the state's rail infrastructure. Speaking to reporters during his day-long visit to the state, Vaishnaw emphasized that this represents a significant increase in funding commitment for Bihar's railway development projects. According to reports from PTI, Vaishnaw made this announcement while flagging off the Chapra–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express, the Mau–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express, and the extension of the Doohri Ghat–Aunrihar MEMU train service up to Varanasi in Saran. Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary was present at the flagging off ceremony, while Uttar Pradesh minister AK Sharma joined the event virtually.
As reported by PTI, Vaishnaw announced the launch of multiple new express train services during his visit, including the Chapra–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express, the Mau–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express, and the extension of the Doohri Ghat–Aunrihar MEMU train service up to Varanasi in Saran. This comprehensive service expansion demonstrates the government's commitment to improving connectivity between Bihar and major metropolitan centers. The minister highlighted that these developments will enhance passenger services and reduce travel time between the state and national capital. BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy welcomed the launch, describing it as a long-pending demand of the people of Chhapra and the wider region, noting that it enables direct travel from Delhi to Chhapra without requiring connections through Sonepur or Banaras.
According to PTI, railway projects worth around ₹1.15 lakh crore are currently under implementation in Bihar. Vaishnaw revealed that five additional platforms are being constructed at Patna station to boost passenger capacity, with the railway minister stating that "five additional platforms are being constructed at Patna station to boost passenger capacity." The railway minister also announced that the Fatuha station near the state capital is also being developed, indicating comprehensive infrastructure upgrades across multiple locations in the state. Vaishnaw emphasized that these projects represent a "new way" of railway development in Bihar, with investments expected to improve passenger convenience, strengthen connectivity, and support economic growth across the state.
As reported by PTI, Vaishnaw announced significant future connectivity plans for Bihar's railway network, stating that bullet train connectivity from Delhi to Lucknow, Lucknow to Varanasi, Varanasi to Patna and Patna to Siliguri will begin in the coming years. The minister revealed that the journey time from Delhi to Patna will be reduced to just 4 hours and 41 minutes once the bullet train becomes operational. Vaishnaw also announced that the Centre is planning to introduce 200 new trains for the state in the coming seven to eight years, demonstrating the government's long-term commitment to expanding Bihar's railway infrastructure. He added that Bihar has received 11 Amrit Bharat trains and 14 Vande Bharat trains in recent years, showcasing the state's growing role in India's premium railway services.
As reported by PTI, Vaishnaw highlighted that locomotives from the state are being exported, with the 51st locomotive engine being exported from the Marhowrah plant in Bihar to an African country. This export milestone demonstrates the successful manufacturing capabilities of Bihar's railway infrastructure sector and its growing role in India's railway export market. Vaishnaw noted that Bihar has become a hub for global exports under the 'Make in India' initiative, with the state's railway manufacturing capabilities now serving international markets. The minister also revealed that in the last 12 years under the leadership of Modi, a total of 2,034 km of new railway tracks have been laid in Bihar, which is more than the total rail network of a country like Malaysia.
