Chhapra-Delhi Express launch, Patna station expansion, locomotive exports to Guinea: Vaishnaw outlines Bihar's Rs 10,000 crore rail push
Patna, June 19
Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated a record railway budget of more than Rs 10,000 crore for Bihar, highlighting a "new way" of development for the state's rail infrastructure.
Speaking to reporters upon his arrival in Patna, Vaishnaw said, "Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated a railway budget of more than 10,000 crore rupees for Bihar. Currently, railway projects worth about 1.15 lakh crore rupees are underway in Bihar. Railway development in the state is happening in a very new way."
The Minister announced the commencement of several key projects aimed at boosting capacity in the region.
"To increase the capacity of the entire Patna area, a new station with five new platforms is being built at Hardinge Park; it is undergoing complete development. Fatuha, located near Patna, is also seeing significant new development," he said.
Vaishnaw also shared that a new connectivity milestone is being reached today with the launch of a new express train. "Today, a new express train will be launched from Chhapra to Delhi," the Minister added.
Highlighting the success of the 'Make in India' initiative in the railway sector, Vaishnaw noted that Bihar has become a hub for global exports.
"Locomotives manufactured in Bihar are now being exported. Today, the 51st locomotive engine will be exported from the Marhowrah plant in Bihar to the African country of Guinea," he said.
BJP MP Rajiv Pratap Rudy welcomed the launch of the new train service, describing it as a long-pending demand of the people of Chhapra and the wider region.
"It's not a small thing; it reflects empathy and concern for Bihar. In a coalition government, large-scale projects are implemented periodically. There has been a long-standing demand from Chhapra. This project isn't just for people travelling to Chhapra; people often say the train goes from Chhapra to Delhi. It's about enabling our people to travel from Delhi to Chhapra and having a direct base station there. This was necessary because people often had to travel to Sonepur or Banaras just to get tickets. I believe that among various schemes, this train is a significant addition for the people of Saran and especially for the people of Bihar," Rudy said.
— ANI
Reader Comments
As someone who travels to Bihar for work often, this is impressive. Locomotive exports to Guinea from Bihar is a big deal—it shows 'Make in India' is working beyond metros. But I hope the new Patna station isn't just another cosmetic upgrade. Real capacity increase requires modern signalling and better last-mile connectivity.
Good that they're finally listening to long-pending demands. Chhapra to Delhi direct is a boon for migrants. But ₹10,000 crore—how much will actually reach the ground? We've seen many announcements in Bihar. The Hardinge Park station should have been done years ago. Let's hope this time it's different. 🤞
Finally some attention to Bihar's railways. The Chhapra-Delhi express will benefit thousands of daily commuters. But I noticed he didn't mention any timeline for completion of these projects. Just like the bullet train announcements, we need clear deadlines. Also, Marhowrah plant exporting to Guinea is good, but what about job creation for local youth?
Impressive to see Bihar becoming a global hub for locomotive exports. 🇮🇳 The 51st engine to Guinea is a milestone. But I wonder about the passenger experience—old trains still run on many routes. New platforms at Hardinge Park will help, but what about electrification and safety? Let's ensure the basics are covered too.
A much-needed move! Chhapra-Delhi express will reduce the burden on existing trains like the Sapt Kranti Express. But I'm
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