Patna, May 23
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the historic rail factory in Bihar's Jamalpur, marking the first visit by a Railway Minister in 17 years.
During his visit on Friday, Vaishnaw laid out a major development plan for the factory, announcing an investment of Rs 350 crore in the first phase to transform it into a Centre of Excellence, based on a recent government survey.
The Minister arrived at the Jamalpur Junction in a special saloon coach, where he was welcomed by thousands of residents.
He inspected the ongoing redevelopment work at the railway station under the Amrit Bharat Yojana and later reached the Jamalpur Rail Factory where he handed over the iconic 140-tonne crane -- a hallmark of Jamalpur's engineering legacy -- to the Indian Railways.
He also laid the foundation stone for a Rs 78.96 crore project aimed at enhancing the capacity for wagon Periodic Overhaul.
Speaking at the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMI) auditorium, the Minister emphasised Jamalpur's legacy as Asia's first railway workshop and reiterated the Central government's commitment to its modernisation and all-round development.
Apart from the Union Railway Minister, those present at the event included Union Minister and local MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Sinha, and local MLAs from the Munger district.
During the event, Minister Vaishnaw announced that from 2026, students from across the region -- not just railway families -- will be eligible to study engineering at IRIMI.
The Minister also highlighted that a dedicated survey team had assessed the factory's potential for transformation, and the upcoming changes will not only modernise operations but also open new avenues of technical education and employment for local youth.
Addressing the media, Minister Vaishnaw also commented on Operation Sindoor, saying, "India has now become self-reliant and has dismantled every single terror infrastructure across the border. This operation stands as a symbol of a new, empowered Bharat."
The Minister's visit and announcements signal a significant boost for infrastructure, education and employment in the region, with Jamalpur once again poised to play a central role in Indian Railways' future.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Finally some attention for Bihar's industrial heritage! Jamalpur factory has so much untapped potential. ₹350 crore investment is a good start, but hope they maintain transparency in fund utilization. The education opportunities for local youth are most welcome ðŸ™
As someone whose grandfather worked at Jamalpur factory, this news brings tears to my eyes. The 140-tonne crane is part of our family stories! But why did it take 17 years for a Railway Minister to visit? Hope this isn't just election season politics...
Good move! But the Minister shouldn't have mixed railway development news with Operation Sindoor comments. Both are important but separate issues. Focus on Jamalpur's transformation was enough for this event.
Opening IRIMI to non-railway students from 2026 is brilliant! 🎓 This will give Bihar's youth world-class technical education without needing to migrate to other states. More such institutes needed across India!
Hope this isn't another 'announcement culture' move. Jamalpur factory needs sustained attention, not just one-time funds. The wagon overhaul project sounds practical though - will help decongest our overloaded freight system.
As an engineer, I'm excited about the Centre of Excellence plan! But they must ensure local employment - not just bring workers from outside Bihar. The 'Amrit Bharat' station redevelopment should preserve Jamalpur's colonial-era architectural charm too.
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