Indian Railways is set to significantly enhance Bihar’s long-distance rail connectivity by introducing two new premium services — Vande Bharat Express and Amrit Bharat Express — from Saharsa to New Delhi.
The launch is seen as a strategic push to bring remote regions like Saharsa into the mainstream of high-speed transport, strengthening economic and social integration between the heartland of Bihar and the capital city. This rail expansion signals a decisive shift in the state’s mobility infrastructure, enabling thousands of passengers access to faster and more efficient travel alternatives. The Saharsa–New Delhi Amrit Bharat Express will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 24 April from Madhubani, marking a major moment for Indian Railways and the people of north Bihar. This will be Bihar’s second Amrit Bharat Express and is set to traverse key locations including Darbhanga and Sitamarhi, two critical population centres. Officials from the Samastipur Railway Division confirmed that the train rake has arrived and has successfully completed its trial run, ensuring that the route is ready for full-scale operations. This new train aims to cater to the large migrant population that routinely travels to Delhi for employment and medical care, offering them a safer and more dignified journey.
Parallel to this, Indian Railways is also preparing to launch the high-speed Vande Bharat Express on a different route, connecting Saharsa to New Delhi through Barauni, Samastipur, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur, Patliputra, Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Junction, and Lucknow. This semi-high-speed train will complete the journey in a record 13 hours, reducing travel time considerably and making daily commutes for business, education, and healthcare far more accessible. The Vande Bharat Express will not only reduce passenger dependency on overburdened trains but also provide an energy-efficient, modern transport experience. The development reflects a larger strategy of Indian Railways to balance high-speed transport goals with regional equity, particularly in areas historically marked by poor connectivity. With this initiative, Bihar, which has long suffered infrastructural neglect, now joins the roster of states benefitting from modern rail technology and logistical planning. Importantly, these train services are expected to run on energy-efficient rakes, pushing Indian Railways closer to its ambition of becoming a net-zero carbon transporter by 2030. The improved connectivity will also help decongest the road networks and reduce vehicular emissions, contributing to the national sustainability agenda.
The dual launch of Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat services from a city like Saharsa is more than a logistical upgrade; it represents a promise — of faster mobility, economic inclusion, and environmental foresight. As railways extend their steel lifeline deeper into underserved districts, they are not just transporting people but uplifting communities, empowering youth, and rewriting India’s transport narrative.
Bihar to Delhi gets two premium trains
