98 stations, 8 Vande Bharats: Railways Minister lists Modi-era achievements in Bihar

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Wednesday asserted that Bihar is witnessing an unprecedented surge in rail development, with long-pending projects now being realised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Responding to concerns raised during the Lok Sabha session, the minister underscored that the Modi government has increased the state’s railway budget nearly ninefold, from Rs 1,132 crore just 11 years ago to a record Rs 10,000 crore in the present financial year.

“Such projects which had been pending for many years have now been completed under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, fulfilling the long-standing goals and aspirations of the people of Bihar,” Vaishnaw said in Parliament.

Citing major achievements, the minister said that two critical rail bridges, one in Munger and another in Patna, have now been completed.

Vaishnaw also highlighted the long-stalled Kosi project, originally sanctioned during the tenure of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee. “It is Prime Minister Narendra Modi who brought that vision to fruition,” he told the House.

Reiterating the NDA’s commitment to the people of Bihar, Vaishnaw said, “Ultimately the projects were both initiated and completed by the NDA. So, it is clear that only the NDA can truly deliver justice to the people of Bihar.”

He informed the House that the tender for a key bridge over the Bagmati river, linking to the sacred Dekuli Dham, has been finalised and Rs 262 crore has already been deposited for land acquisition. “This is a very important project. The work is progressing very well and at a rapid pace,” he added.

Vaishnaw said 98 stations across the state are being redeveloped, and several new trains have been launched to improve connectivity and passenger convenience. Among them are eight Vande Bharat trains and five Amrit Bharat trains, including new routes from Patna to Delhi, Darbhanga to Delhi, and services to Bengaluru.

A Namo Bharat train has also been introduced, and infrastructural upgrades such as the construction of 218 platforms and underpasses have been completed to enhance overall efficiency and commuter safety.

The Sitamarhi–Sheohar railway line, a long-awaited demand from locals, has been sanctioned Rs 557 crore for implementation, the minister said.

India