Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent flag-off of four Amrit Bharat trains marks a significant boost to Bihar’s railway connectivity. These additions bring the total number of Amrit Bharat trains originating from Bihar to five, the highest for any state. As the state prepares for upcoming elections, this move also holds political significance, signaling the government’s focus on inclusive infrastructure development.
A Look at the New Trains
Here are the details of the newly inaugurated Amrit Bharat trains:
- Rajendra Nagar (Patna) to New Delhi
- Distance: ~1,000 km
- Sleeper fare: ₹560
- Service starts: July 31
- Bapudham Motihari to Anand Vihar (Delhi)
- Distance: ~1,000 km
- Sleeper fare: ₹555
- Regular service: To be announced
- Darbhanga to Gomti Nagar (UP)
- Sleeper fare: ₹415
- Service starts: July 26
- Bhagalpur to Gomti Nagar via Malda Town (WB)
- Weekly train
- Majority of route passes through Bihar
- Service starts: July 24
Designed for Comfort, Built for Speed
According to the Railway Board, Amrit Bharat trains are engineered for a maximum speed of 130 kmph. Despite being non-AC, these trains provide amenities once unthinkable in sleeper class:
- Foldable snack tables & mobile holders
- Fast charging ports & radium-lit flooring
- Modern toilets with electropneumatic flushing
- Crash-absorbing couplers, talk-back units, fire detection
These features ensure safety, comfort, and accessibility—particularly for middle-class and economically weaker passengers.
The Broader Vision
With 100 Amrit Bharat trains in the pipeline, Indian Railways is aiming to redefine budget travel across the country. While some critics argue that India should phase out non-AC trains in a “developed nation” vision, this rollout proves the government’s priority remains affordable modernisation—blending low-cost travel with new-age upgrades.
For Bihar, this is more than just infrastructure—it’s a political and social signal.
