Indian Railways has taken a major step toward launching Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express trains from Raxaul, a key border town in Bihar situated on the India-Nepal border. The proposal, spearheaded by Vinay Srivastava, DRM of Samastipur Division, was sent earlier to the Railway Board and Ministry of Railways and is now gaining momentum.
₹65 Lakh Tender Issued for OHE Modification
To facilitate high-speed train operations from Raxaul, the Railways has issued a tender worth ₹65 lakh for modification of Overhead Equipment (OHE) near the maintenance sheds and pit lines. These upgrades are essential for handling advanced trains like Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat, which require specialized infrastructure and high-power supply systems for safe and efficient maintenance.
Raxaul Set to Become a Maintenance Hub
These developments mark a strategic plan to transform Raxaul station into a major maintenance and operations hub for premium trains in the region. Railway officials believe this will:
- Boost reliability and punctuality of services
- Improve availability of modern trainsets in the region
- Strengthen regional connectivity across the India-Nepal border
Washing Pit Coming Up in Saharsa
Alongside Raxaul’s upgrade, the Railways is also preparing to build a state-of-the-art washing pit in Saharsa to aid in the upkeep of these modern trains. The washing pit will support daily cleaning and maintenance, ensuring better service quality for passengers.
Expansion to Muzaffarpur Underway
Infrastructure upgrades are not limited to Raxaul and Saharsa. Muzaffarpur Junction has already seen the issue of tenders for OHE modifications. These efforts are part of a broader move by Indian Railways to upgrade high-speed train facilities across North Bihar, supported by the Gati Shakti Yojana.
High-Speed Future for North Bihar
With tenders issued, infrastructure being upgraded, and approvals in sight, North Bihar is on track to become a key zone for semi-high-speed and high-speed rail travel. The introduction of Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat from Raxaul will not only enhance passenger convenience but also promote cross-border and regional development.
