Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for development projects worth Rs 7200 crore in Motihari, Bihar, in a major move to revolutionise infrastructure in Bihar.
These projects cover software technology parks, four new Amrit Bharat trains, road projects and more.
The massive investment in the railways aims to modernise the railway network in the State, improve passenger amenities, enhance safety and offer faster, more reliable connectivity across key regions.
This development marks another strong step under the Government’s broader agenda of infrastructure-led growth, particularly in eastern India.
The highlight of the event was the flagging off of four Amrit Bharat Express trains, an initiative under the Indian Railways’ mission to provide affordable, smart, and comfortable long-distance travel, especially for the middle class and economically weaker sections. The fare of the Amrit Bharat trains is as low as Rs 350 for general class and Rs 560 for the sleeper class. Designed under the Make in India campaign, Amrit Bharat trains represent a new era of indigenous innovation and passenger-centric services. These trains are positioned to be the non-AC version of Vande Bharat.
The newly launched Amrit Bharat 2.0 trains are a significant upgrade from their previous version, offering a blend of affordability, safety, and technology. With a maximum speed of 130 km/h, these trains have been developed to cater specifically to budget-conscious travellers, ensuring comfort without compromise.
Currently, three Amrit Bharat trains are operational nationwide, and 100 new train are under construction to expand the fleet further. Bihar currently operates two Amrit Bharat trains — Darbhanga to Anand Vihar Terminal and Saharsa to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus — and will soon see the addition of four more routes flagged off during the event.
Amrit Bharat coaches are equipped with a range of upgraded passenger amenities. These include mobile and bottle holders, fast-charging USB ports, and more ergonomically designed seating.
For enhanced visibility, radium-illuminated floor strips similar to those in airplanes have been introduced.
The ride experience is further improved by air-spring suspension technology that ensures a smoother journey.
The coaches also feature modern, accessible restrooms with electro-pneumatic flushing systems and automatic soap dispensers, making them inclusive for elderly and specially-abled passengers.
In terms of safety, the trains incorporate crash-tube-equipped semi-automatic couplers, EP-assisted braking systems, sealed gangways, and vacuum evacuation systems. For the first time in non-AC coaches, a fire detection system has also been installed. Every coach is equipped with a talk-back unit to ensure effective emergency communication.
Among the key projects inaugurated were the construction of a state-of-the-art Vande Bharat trains maintenance depot at Patliputra, the installation of automatic signalling systems between Bhatni and Chhapra Gramin rail lines, and the upgradation of the traction system in the same section to support better energy efficiency and performance.
The foundation was also laid for the doubling of the rail line between Darbhanga and Narkatiaganj, which is expected to decongest traffic and increase the frequency of train operations in northern Bihar.
Where the opposition is calling the project a tactic amidst Bihar elections, BJP minister Ravi Shankar Prasad replied to the opposition saying, “PM is not on the election drive but on the development drive”.
The initiatives announced in Bihar today mark a transformative chapter in the state’s transportation narrative and align with the vision of creating a better Bihar and a better India.