Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off four new Amrit Bharat trains virtually from Motihari in the poll-bound state of Bihar with an objective to provide smart, safe and comfortable travel experience to middle class and economically weaker travellers.
Modi laid the foundation stone, inaugurated and dedicated to the nation development projects worth over Rs 7,000 crore in Motihari.
In a major railway boost for poll-bound Bihar and in line with his vision of a future-ready railway network, the Prime Minister flagged off four new Amrit Bharat trains between Rajendra Nagar Terminal (Patna) to New Delhi, Bapudham Motihari to Delhi (Anand Vihar Terminal), Darbhanga to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) and Malda Town to Lucknow (Gomti Nagar) via Bhagalpur improving connectivity in the region.
To catch the glimpse of the new Amrit Bharat Express train which commenced from Rajendra Nagar Terminal (Patna) to Delhi, people were standing in large numbers at every stoppage of the superfast train and were clicking photos of the new train.
In this new train from Patna to Delhi, the fare is Rs 350 for passengers travelling in general class coaches.
The new ‘Amrit Bharat Express’ train is equipped with modern and ultra-modern
facilities and runs with a maximum speed of 130 km/h. The train running between Patna and Delhi has two types of coaches– Sleeper and General.
All the coaches of this train are non-AC but are equipped with many modern facilities.
The new train will stop at 8 stations which are Patna, Danapur, Ara, Buxar, DDU, Subedarganj, Govindpuri, and Ghaziabad.
Talking to The Statesman, Executive Director of Information and Publicity at the Railway Board, Dilip Kumar said, “In regular service from Rajendra Nagar, Patna to New Delhi, fare in General Class is Rs 350, while in Sleeper Class it is Rs 560. Today, this train is being run as a special train and its sleeper class fare from Rajendra Nagar to New Delhi is Rs 730.”
Passenger amenities features in the new train includes foldable snack table, mobile
holder, foldable bottle holder, fast mobile charging port, better and comfortable seats.
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation multiple rail projects. It includes automatic signalling between Samastipur-Bachhwara rail line that will enable efficient train operations in this section. Doubling of Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur rail line part of Darbhanga-Samastipur doubling project worth over Rs 580 crore that will enhance the capacity of train operations and reduce delays.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for multiple rail projects. Rail projects include development of infrastructure for maintenance of Vande Bharat trains at Patliputra. Automatic signalling on Bhatni-Chhapra Gramin rail line (114 km) to enable streamlined train operations. Upgradation of traction system in Bhatni-Chhapra Gramin section to enable higher train speeds by strengthening the traction system infrastructure and optimising energy efficiency.
Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line doubling project worth around Rs 4,080 crore to increase sectional capacity, enable operation of more passenger and freight trains, strengthen connectivity between North Bihar and the rest of the country.
Addressing a public function at Motihari, the Prime Minister highlighted the inauguration and foundation laying of railway and road projects worth thousands of crores.
Modi said these projects will significantly enhance convenience for the people of Bihar. He also flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express on four different routes across the country.
The Prime Minister also highlighted that the Amrit Bharat Express will now run directly from Motihari-Bapudham to Anand Vihar, Delhi, mentioning that the Motihari railway station is being redeveloped with modern facilities and a new look. He added that the doubling of the Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj rail line will greatly improve travel convenience on this route.
Emphasising Champaran’s deep connection with India’s faith and cultural heritage, Modi stated that the Ram-Janaki Path will pass through Motihari’s Sattarghat, Kesariya, Chakia, and Madhuban.
He highlighted that the new railway line being developed from Sitamarhi to Ayodhya will enable devotees from Champaran to travel to Ayodhya for darshan.