Motihari (Bihar), July 18: In a major push to infrastructure and connectivity in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off four new Amrit Bharat trains and launched multiple development projects worth over Rs 7,200 crore during a visit to Motihari. The event marks a key milestone ahead of the upcoming Assembly elections expected later this year.
New Amrit Bharat Train Routes
The newly inaugurated Amrit Bharat trains will enhance regional connectivity with the following routes:
- Rajendra Nagar Terminal (Patna) – New Delhi
- Bapudham Motihari – Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi)
- Darbhanga – Gomti Nagar (Lucknow)
- Malda Town – Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) via Bhagalpur
Welfare and Rural Empowerment Initiatives
As part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin, PM Modi:
- Handed over Griha Pravesh keys to 12,000 new homeowners.
- Released over Rs 160 crore to benefit 40,000 rural families.
Additionally, under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM), the Prime Minister:
- Transferred Rs 400 crore to 61,500 Self-Help Groups (SHGs) in Bihar.
- Highlighted the empowerment of over 10 crore women nationwide through SHGs.
Railway Development Projects
Key rail infrastructure upgrades were also unveiled:
- Doubling of the Darbhanga-Thalwara and Samastipur-Rambhadrapur lines, worth Rs 580 crore, to improve efficiency and reduce delays.
- Automatic signalling on the Samastipur-Bachhwara and Bhatni-Chhapra Gramin rail sections to streamline train operations.
- Traction system upgrades on Bhatni-Chhapra Gramin for better energy efficiency and higher train speeds.
- Darbhanga-Narkatiaganj doubling project worth Rs 4,080 crore to boost freight and passenger capacity.
- Development of Vande Bharat train maintenance infrastructure at Patliputra.
Political Context
The visit comes ahead of the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections, with the NDA alliance (BJP-JD(U)-LJP) seeking to retain power against the opposition INDIA bloc (RJD-Congress-Left).
Current Assembly composition:
- NDA: 131 MLAs (BJP – 80, JD(U) – 45, HAM(S) – 4, Independents – 2)
- INDIA bloc: 111 MLAs (RJD – 77, Congress – 19, CPI(ML) – 11, CPI(M) – 2, CPI – 2)
The Election Commission of India is yet to officially announce dates, but elections are expected around October or November 2025.