Muzaffarpur: After the recent announcement of the Muzaffarpur–Hyderabad service, the Railways are preparing to introduce another Amrit Bharat train from Muzaffarpur to Pune. The process has already begun, and officials said that the new service will replace the existing weekly Muzaffarpur–Pune Express (train number 05289).
A second train rack has already been kept on standby at Muzaffarpur Junction. It is planned that this rack will run between Muzaffarpur–Secunderabad–Hyderabad, replacing the current Muzaffarpur–Secunderabad Express (05293). Preparations for both services are in full swing.
Maintenance Issues Due to Lack of Washing Pit
Railway staff at Muzaffarpur are facing difficulties in maintaining Amrit Bharat trains because the station lacks a proper washing pit. At present, maintenance of the Motihari Amrit Bharat Express is being managed with temporary arrangements.
Two months ago, an attempt was made to repair a washing pit, but the work was left incomplete. Officials said that with the introduction of two Amrit Bharat trains, the challenge of maintenance will increase further. The Samastipur Railway Division will decide on a new strategy regarding this issue from September 1.
Proposal to Resume Trains Stopped During COVID-19
Alongside new services, the Railways have also sent a proposal to restore all trains that were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic. On Thursday, Chief Operations Manager (COM) of East Central Railway, Rajesh Kumar, reviewed the situation with Area Officer Ravi Shankar Mahato and the Station Manager at Muzaffarpur.
Officials noted that no night trains have been operating for the last five years on the Muzaffarpur–Chhapra–Siwan and Muzaffarpur–Motihari–Narkatiyaganj routes. Passengers on these routes are forced either to stay overnight at stations or rely on private vehicles.
On the Motihari route, in the absence of night services, many passengers spend the night at Muzaffarpur station waiting for the 15215 Muzaffarpur–Narkatiyaganj train, which departs at 7:30 am. Some passengers even sleep in the stationary rack until departure.
Stoppages Under Review
During an inspection of Narayanpur Anant station, the COM found that several trains, including the Muzaffarpur–Bhagalpur Janseva Express, no longer halt there. These stoppages were discontinued during the pandemic. Officials have been instructed to review and take steps toward the restoration of stoppages and services to ease passenger hardship.
