Indian Railways is set to boost connectivity in Bihar with plans to introduce Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express trains from Raxaul railway station, located on the India-Nepal border. The move is expected to significantly enhance passenger experience and regional rail infrastructure.
Samastipur Division DRM Vinay Srivastava confirmed that a proposal for operating these modern, high-speed trains from Raxaul has been submitted to the Railway Board via East Central Railway Headquarters. With procedural clearance expected soon, the Railway Department has already floated a ₹65 lakh tender to modify Over Head Equipment (OHE) at the station, which is essential for maintaining high-speed trains. The tender covers critical upgrades to the power overhead lines near maintenance sheds and pit lines at Raxaul. Given that Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains demand advanced servicing and efficient power supply, the OHE modification is seen as a vital step to make Raxaul a hub for maintenance and operation of premium trains.
In parallel, preparations are underway in Saharsa for the construction of a state-of-the-art washing pit. According to railway sources, this new facility will enable faster and more thorough cleaning of train rakes, in line with standards for semi-high-speed rail services. Details of the tender are publicly available on the Indian Railways’ official portal. Officials emphasise that this infrastructure push will transform Raxaul into a critical maintenance hub for the region, improving both reliability and operational efficiency of the new trains. The development will also boost local connectivity, benefiting passengers along the Indo-Nepal corridor. Meanwhile, Muzaffarpur Junction is also seeing upgrades, with a similar tender issued for OHE modifications. These upgrades form part of a broader strategy under the PM Gati Shakti initiative to improve facilities for high-speed and semi-high-speed trains in North Bihar.
The construction of a second washing pit under this plan will primarily support the upkeep of the Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat fleets, ensuring sustained performance across the growing network. As Bihar anticipates a major rail boost, these developments mark a significant leap in the region’s transport infrastructure.
