Jaipur/Patna: The Jaipur (Khatipura)–Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express was flagged off on Sunday, marking the launch of a new six-day-a-week rail service designed to strengthen connectivity between Rajasthan and Bihar.
The train was inaugurated by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma at Khatipura in Jaipur. The event also saw the inauguration of the newly built Mega Coaching Terminal at Khatipura and upgraded passenger facilities at several railway stations. Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary joined the programme via video conferencing.
Long-Pending Demand Fulfilled
Addressing the gathering, Sharma described the occasion as a historic moment for both Rajasthan and Bihar.
He said the new train fulfilled a long-standing demand for direct rail connectivity between Jaipur and Darbhanga and would benefit passengers travelling for employment, education, business and family reasons.
The Rajasthan chief minister also highlighted recent railway investments in the state, stating that infrastructure modernisation had accelerated under the current administration. According to him, Rajasthan now operates five Vande Bharat trains and has achieved full railway electrification.
He said railway projects worth Rs 76,800 crore are currently underway in the state and noted that more than 3,900 kilometres of railway lines have been built over the past 12 years.
Railway Minister Highlights Cultural Link
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the new service would strengthen cultural ties between Rajasthan and the Mithila region of Bihar while improving mobility for migrant workers and other travellers.
He described the train as an important addition to India’s expanding rail network and said it reflected the government’s efforts to improve connectivity across regions.
Vaishnaw also announced plans for the construction of Sundarpura railway station near Khatu Shyam Ji, a major pilgrimage destination in Rajasthan. He said the proposed station would make travel more convenient for devotees visiting the shrine.
India’s First Mega Coaching Terminal
A major highlight of the event was the inauguration of the Mega Coaching Terminal at Khatipura, which railway officials described as the first facility of its kind in the country.
Earlier in the day, Vaishnaw inspected the terminal and reviewed its maintenance infrastructure.
Speaking to reporters, he said the facility had been designed to meet operational requirements for the next two decades.
According to railway officials, the terminal will have the capacity to maintain approximately 450 trains each month, supporting services operating from Jaipur towards Delhi, Bikaner and Jodhpur.
The minister added that similar maintenance infrastructure is being planned elsewhere as part of efforts to modernise railway operations.
Bihar Welcomes New Service
Participating virtually, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary thanked the Railway Ministry for introducing the new train.
He said Bihar had received several new railway projects and services in recent years and described the Jaipur–Darbhanga route as particularly important for migrant workers from Bihar employed in Rajasthan.
The service, he said, would make travel safer, more convenient and more affordable for thousands of passengers.
Economic And Cultural Significance
Railway officials said the train is expected to provide a major boost to movement between the two states.
Jaipur is one of India’s leading tourism and industrial centres, while Darbhanga is widely regarded as a cultural and educational hub of the Mithila region.
The new service is expected to facilitate not only passenger travel but also cultural exchange and economic activity between the two regions.
Currently, a weekly train operates between Ajmer and Darbhanga. The launch of the Amrit Bharat Express offers passengers an additional and more frequent travel option, operating six days a week.
Officials said the service is expected to benefit lakhs of passengers living along the route, particularly those travelling for work, higher education, business and family commitments.
