Friday, September 19, 2025
The Railway Minister's initiatives boost Bihar’s connectivity and digital growth through new train services, major track expansions, and STPIs, enhancing regional development, employment, and national integration.
In a significant infrastructure and development announcement, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at boosting Bihar’s connectivity and technological landscape. These include the introduction of new Amrit Bharat Express trains, massive rail track doubling projects, and the inauguration of new Software Technology Parks of India (STPIs). Below is a detailed breakdown of the announcements:
🚄 New Amrit Bharat Express Trains for Bihar
To improve interstate rail connectivity and passenger convenience, the Indian Railways has approved the introduction of four new Amrit Bharat Express trains for Bihar:
- Patna–New Delhi (Daily)
- A daily semi-high-speed Amrit Bharat Express will run between Patna Junction and New Delhi.
- Aimed at enhancing business and tourism traffic between the capital cities.
- Darbhanga–Gomti Nagar, Lucknow (Weekly)
- A new weekly service between Darbhanga and Gomti Nagar in Lucknow.
- This route connects northern Bihar to the capital of Uttar Pradesh.
- Malda–Lucknow via Bihar (Weekly)
- A weekly Amrit Bharat Express to operate between Malda (West Bengal) and Lucknow.
- This train will pass through Bihar, serving passengers from key stations en route.
- Saharsa–Amritsar (Weekly)
- A new weekly train connecting Saharsa in Bihar to Amritsar in Punjab.
- Provides long-distance connectivity to the northern region for workers and pilgrims.
🚆 Other Train Services Introduced
- Jogbani–Erode (Daily Passenger Train)
- A new daily passenger train will operate between Jogbani (Bihar) and Erode (Tamil Nadu).
- This long-route train enhances North-South connectivity for labor and business travelers.
🛤 Major Railway Infrastructure Projects in Bihar
The Railway Minister announced multi-crore investments for railway track upgrades and expansions to boost freight and passenger efficiency:
- Bhagalpur–Jamalpur Third Line Project
- Distance: 53 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹1,156 crore
- Purpose: To reduce congestion and allow smoother train operations in eastern Bihar.
- Bakhtiyarpur–Rajgir–Tilaiya Track Doubling
- Distance: 177 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹2,017 crore
- Purpose: Strengthening rail infrastructure and improving train frequency.
- Rampurhat–Bhagalpur Track Doubling
- Distance: 177 km
- Estimated Cost: ₹3,000 crore
- Will help in smoother movement of goods and passengers across West Bengal and Bihar.
💻 Software Technology Parks of India (STPI) in Bihar
To foster the IT ecosystem and promote digital employment in Bihar, the minister also announced the readiness of two STPIs:
- STPI – Patliputra
- Location: Patna
- Investment: ₹53 crore
- Objective: To support IT startups, promote exports and generate local employment.
- STPI – Darbhanga
- Investment: ₹10 crore
- Objective: Expanding tech infrastructure in north Bihar and empowering youth with tech-based opportunities.
📌 Conclusion
These developments mark a major stride in Bihar’s rail and digital infrastructure. With improved train services, major track expansions, and the introduction of software parks, the initiatives aim to:
- Strengthen Bihar’s role in national connectivity.
- Support the economic migration of workers with better train options.
- Promote the IT industry and generate employment in tier-2 and tier-3 cities.
The investments reflect the central government's commitment to transforming Bihar’s transport and digital landscape for inclusive growth and development.
