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Bihar, going for elections later this year, has been getting a connectivity and infrastructure push over the last couple of months
At least three more Amrit Bharat trains are set to be inaugurated in the state in the coming weeks, along with a new Vande Bharat between Purnia and Patna, News18 has learnt. File pic/PTI
Bihar, gearing up for elections, will get its eighth Amrit Bharat train this week with a new Gaya-Delhi service, while more trains are lined up for the state in the coming days.
At least three more Amrit Bharat trains are set to be inaugurated in the state in the coming weeks, along with a new Vande Bharat between Purnia and Patna, News18 has learnt.
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A ministry official told News18 that while the Gaya-Delhi train will be inaugurated on Friday, dates for the remaining trains are not finalised yet but are “expected soon”.
“The Amrit Bharat trains will also connect Saharsa-Amritsar, Chhapra-Delhi, and Muzaffarpur-Hyderabad. One Vande Bharat between Purnia and Patna is also expected soon,” the official said, seeking anonymity.
The commercial operation of this train will start on August 28 from Gaya. The train, 13697, will operate on every Sunday and Thursday. It will start from Gaya at 4.30 pm and will reach Delhi the next day at noon.
The return journey from Delhi, 13698, will be done on Mondays and Fridays. The train will start at 2 pm and will reach Gaya at 8.55 am the next day.
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Bihar, going for elections later this year, has been getting a connectivity and infrastructure push over the last couple of months.
In August, the Sitamarhi-Delhi Amrit Bharat was launched. Last month, four Amrit Bharat trains were launched for the state. Before that, in April, another Amrit Bharat was inaugurated between Saharsa and Mumbai.
Of the eight Amrit Bharat routes currently operational, only Malda-Bengaluru does not touch Bihar.
The state is served by seven of these trains, with six originating from Bihar: Darbhanga-Delhi, Mumbai-Saharsa, Patna-Delhi, Bapudham Motihari-Delhi, Sitamarhi-Delhi, and Darbhanga-Lucknow. The Amrit Bharat between Malda Town and Lucknow serves Bhagalpur.
Called the affordable cousin of Vande Bharat, the Amrit Bharat train offers only sleeper and general class coaches for an affordable long-distance journey. Each train has eight sleeper coaches, 11 general coaches, and two luggage-cum-brake vans, along with one pantry car.
Vande Bharat on the way
The official also said that the new Purnia-Patna Vande Bharat will boost the passenger experience on the route, currently served with a limited number of trains.
Earlier this month, three Vande Bharat trains were inaugurated, and none of these were for Bihar.
Bihar is served by 13 Vande Bharat trains as of date, with eight of these connecting the capital city, Patna, with Ranchi, Howrah, New Jalpaiguri, Lucknow, and Gorakhpur. Three trains run between Patna and Tatanagar.
Vande Bharat also serves other parts of Bihar, including Ranchi-Varanasi, Deoghar-Varanasi, Howrah-New Jalpaiguri, Howrah-Gaya, and Howrah-Bhagalpur.
With these new Amrit Bharat and Vande Bharat trains, Bihar’s rail connectivity is set for a significant boost with improved passenger convenience, travel efficiency, and affordable long-distance options for residents.
About the Author
Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived…Read More
Nivedita Singh is a data journalist and covers the Election Commission, Indian Railways and Ministry of Road Transport and Highways. She has nearly seven years of experience in the news media. She tweets @nived… Read More
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