Bihar witnessed the launch of its second Amrit Bharat Express—India’s third under the initiative—with Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagging off the train from an event in Madhubani.
The new service will link Saharsa in Bihar with Mumbai’s Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, traversing over 2,000 kilometres across diverse terrains and states, and offering a budget-friendly travel option to thousands of daily commuters. The introduction of the Amrit Bharat Express is more than just a logistical upgrade; it represents a crucial socio-economic intervention. Operating on a weekly schedule, the train will depart Saharsa every Sunday, returning from Mumbai on Fridays. It is designed as a non-air-conditioned service with 22 coaches, including 11 general and 8 sleeper compartments. What makes the service particularly noteworthy is its pricing—covering 1,000 kilometres for just ₹450—making long-distance travel accessible for India’s working-class population, particularly those migrating to urban centres like Mumbai.
The Amrit Bharat project reflects a deliberate shift towards inclusive, sustainable, and gender-neutral mobility solutions. At a time when urban congestion, air pollution, and high travel costs continue to impact quality of life, especially in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, such initiatives bring affordable connectivity into the mainstream. By linking rural and semi-urban belts with economic hubs, Indian Railways is reinforcing its role not just as a transporter but as a nation builder. The newly launched train will halt at several key stations along its east-west corridor, including Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Pataliputra, Danapur, Buxar, Prayagraj, Jabalpur, Bhusaval, Nashik Road, and Thane, among others. This wide-ranging route enhances regional mobility and opens up employment, education, and healthcare access for underserved communities along the way.
In addition to the Amrit Bharat Express, Prime Minister Modi also inaugurated Bihar’s first Namo Bharat Rapid Rail—also referred to as Vande Metro—which will operate between Jaynagar and Patna. This air-conditioned, high-speed metro-style train aims to redefine intra-state connectivity by covering its route in under five hours. With 16 modern coaches and a top speed of 160 km/h, it’s a leap forward in Bihar’s urban transport landscape, aligning with India’s push towards faster, greener, and more inclusive mobility networks. According to officials from Samastipur Railway Division, the Namo Bharat train will run six days a week and is designed to handle more than 2,000 passengers at a time. The dual launch signals an integrated approach to regional development—balancing long-distance affordability with intra-state speed and comfort.
These new railway services also support India’s carbon reduction goals. By shifting more commuters from road and short-haul flights to rail, the government is not only reducing vehicular emissions but also easing pressure on road infrastructure. Rail transport emits significantly less CO₂ per passenger kilometre, making it one of the most climate-resilient public transit modes available today. With the latest developments, Bihar is clearly emerging as a critical node in India’s evolving transport grid. Both the Amrit Bharat Express and the Vande Metro services are being seen as symbols of a larger shift towards more equitable and climate-conscious urbanisation. As the nation eyes 2047 and the centenary of independence, infrastructure that is inclusive, efficient, and sustainable will remain central to the vision of a developed India.
In the broader context, these advancements in rail connectivity not only represent technological and logistical milestones but also reaffirm the government’s intent to democratise access to mobility. With its strategic mix of speed, affordability, and reach, India’s rail future appears to be firmly on track.
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Bihar Gets Amrit Bharat Express to Mumbai
