Hajipur: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw addressed a press conference via video conferencing from the Railway Board, discussing the railway budget for 2025-26. He stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has allocated a record Rs. 2,52,200 crore for Indian Railways.
He highlighted the increased allocation for Bihar, comparing it with the previous government’s tenure. Between 2004 and 2014, the UPA government allocated an average of Rs. 1,132 crore per year for railway development in Bihar. Under Narendra Modi’s leadership, this amount has been increased to Rs. 10,066 crore this year, which is nine times higher.
He assured that no project will face a funding shortage. From 2009-14, Bihar saw an average of 64 km of new railway lines constructed annually, whereas from 2014-24, this has increased to 167 km per year, which is 2.5 times more. Similarly, annual railway electrification in Bihar was 30 km during 2009-14, but from 2014-24, it has risen to 275 km per year, a ninefold increase.
Since 2014, Bihar has seen the construction of 1,832 km of new railway lines, equivalent to Malaysia’s total rail network. Additionally, 3,020 km of railway tracks have been electrified, achieving 100% electrification in the state. At present, 57 projects worth Rs. 86,458 crore are underway in Bihar for new lines, doubling, and gauge conversion, covering a total of 5,346 km. Also, 98 Amrit Bharat stations in Bihar are being redeveloped at a cost of Rs. 3,164 crore. Overall, nearly Rs. 90,000 crore is being invested in Bihar’s railway infrastructure. Kavach implementation is in progress across 1,783 km in various phases. Twelve Vande Bharat trains are operational in Bihar, covering 15 districts, and one Amrit Bharat Express is running from Darbhanga.
Regarding Patna Junction’s redevelopment, Vaishnaw mentioned that work is ongoing on its DPR and design. After his address, East Central Railway General Manager Chatrasal Singh briefed the media about the railway provisions in the budget.
