Investment of Rs 95,566 Crore for Railway Development in Bihar, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed an investment of Rs 95,566 crore for the development of the state’s railway network. The minister highlighted the substantial progress made under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, focusing on electrification and station reconstruction efforts that are transforming the region’s transport landscape.
Bihar, which has long been a vital part of India’s railway network, is set to benefit greatly from this massive financial boost. As part of the ongoing projects, 98 railway stations in the state are undergoing complete reconstruction. This will not only improve the facilities available to passengers but will also modernise the entire station ecosystem, making it more efficient and user-friendly. Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his visit, emphasised the importance of electrification, stating that under PM Modi’s vision, Bihar has achieved 100% electrification in its railway lines. This is a major leap towards sustainable transportation and reducing carbon emissions, aligning with the nation’s commitment to cleaner, greener energy solutions.
Moreover, the investment will focus on the doubling of railway lines in several areas, a move expected to boost the capacity of the network, reduce congestion, and improve overall service delivery. This will also facilitate faster and more frequent train services, enhancing connectivity between key locations across the state and the broader national network. The expansion also includes the development of new rake points at multiple locations, which will allow for better management and operations of trains, ensuring smoother and more reliable journeys for passengers. With an emphasis on safety and speed, the development plan also includes advanced signalling systems and modernised tracks, ensuring the efficiency of the network for years to come. In addition to these upgrades, the Vande Bharat Express services have been making waves in Bihar and the broader Indian Railways network. Vaishnaw also shared updates on the operational status of the Vande Bharat trains, revealing that 136 Vande Bharat services, including chair car trains, are currently operational as of January 2025. These high-speed trains, known for their comfort and speed, are already proving to be highly popular with passengers, with occupancy rates nearing 100%.
Between April and December 2024, over 2.14 crore passengers availed the Vande Bharat services, reflecting their growing popularity and the shift towards modern, faster train services in India. The train services, including Vande Bharat, operate as per a charted timetable, ensuring that the needs of commuters are met while maintaining efficiency across the network. This renewed focus on improving Bihar’s railway network and expanding Vande Bharat services is not only about upgrading infrastructure but also ensuring that passengers experience world-class service. The transformation of Bihar’s railway system will provide a major boost to the state’s economic growth by facilitating smoother transportation of goods and passengers, further driving investments in the region. Ashwini Vaishnaw’s announcement of the Rs 95,566 crore investment in Bihar’s railways underscores the government’s commitment to modernising infrastructure and making it more sustainable and passenger-friendly. With ongoing efforts in electrification, station reconstruction, and the doubling of railway lines, Bihar is set to emerge as a crucial hub in India’s railway network, bringing a new era of growth and connectivity to the state.
