Jaipur–Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express Flagged Off, Mega Coaching Terminal at Khatipura Inaugurated
Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma and Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday flagged off the new Jaipur (Khatipura)–Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express, a six-day-a-week train service that is expected to significantly strengthen rail connectivity between Rajasthan and Bihar. The leaders also inaugurated the newly built Mega Coaching Terminal at Khatipura and several upgraded passenger amenities across railway stations in the North Western Railway zone.
The inauguration ceremony was attended virtually by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary through video conferencing.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma described the day as a “historic occasion” for both Rajasthan and Bihar. He said the demand for direct rail connectivity between Jaipur and Darbhanga had existed for a long time and the new service would greatly benefit residents of both states, especially migrant workers, students and business travellers.
Highlighting the significance of the occasion coinciding with the International Day of Yoga, Sharma said India’s culture was reaching every corner of the world under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He added that the launch of the new train service, the Mega Coaching Terminal and upgraded passenger facilities would accelerate trade, tourism, employment and regional development across Rajasthan.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the rapid development of railway infrastructure in Rajasthan, noting that five Vande Bharat trains are currently operating in the state and that the railway network has achieved 100 per cent electrification. He said Rajasthan had received a record railway budget allocation of more than ₹10,000 crore, while railway projects worth ₹76,800 crore are currently under progress. Around 3,900 kilometres of railway lines have been constructed in the last 12 years, he added.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the new train service would further strengthen the cultural and social bond between Rajasthan and Bihar’s Mithila region. He remarked that the launch fulfilled a commitment made to migrant Bihari communities and reflected the Centre’s efforts to expand the country’s railway network and introduce new train services.
During his address, Vaishnaw also announced the construction of Sundarpura railway station, located about 11 kilometres from the famous pilgrimage town of Khatu Shyam Ji. He said the station would provide enhanced connectivity and convenience to thousands of devotees visiting the temple.
The minister further described the newly inaugurated Mega Coaching Terminal at Khatipura as the first such facility in the country. He said the Indian Railways is developing 50 Mega Coaching Terminals nationwide and that the Khatipura facility would be capable of maintaining nearly 450 trains every month, enabling the operation of more trains from the Jaipur region.
Speaking via video conference, Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary thanked the Railway Minister for introducing the new train and said Bihar had received several railway projects and train services in recent years. He noted that the Jaipur–Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express would provide substantial relief and convenience to thousands of migrant workers from Bihar living and working in Rajasthan.
Rajasthan Deputy Chief Minister Diya Kumari welcomed the launch of the new rail services and thanked the Railway Ministry for implementing Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for railway expansion and modernization.
Earlier in the day, Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the Khatipura Mega Coaching Terminal and directed officials to further expand maintenance facilities. Built at a cost of ₹205 crore, the terminal has been designed to meet railway requirements for the next 20 years. It features new railway lines, washing pits, stabling lines and advanced technical infrastructure, allowing maintenance of all types of train rakes, including Vande Bharat, DEMU and LHB trains, at a single location.
The facility is also expected to ease operational pressure on Jaipur Junction and improve maintenance support for trains operating towards Delhi, Bikaner and Jodhpur.
In addition, North Western Railway has completed development works at 41 small and medium-sized stations, including platform construction, expansion and modernization. An integrated passenger information system has also been introduced at 16 stations, aimed at providing a safer, smoother and more convenient travel experience.
The Jaipur (Khatipura)–Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express is expected to become an important transportation link between Rajasthan and Bihar, boosting cultural exchange, trade, education and employment opportunities while offering passengers a safe and comfortable travel option.
