Indian Railways has approved three new trains for Bihar, including the Patna-Ahmedabad Amrit Bharat Express, Patna-Rajgir Express, and Saharsa-Jamalpur MEMU. This decision comes as a response to the heavy passenger traffic and potential for better revenue. While the routes and timings for these trains are now finalized, the official dates for their regular operation are expected to be announced shortly.
Patna-Ahmedabad Amrit Bharat Express Details
This train, approved by the Indian Railway Board, is a significant addition. An official letter from Sanjay R. Neelam, Director (Coaching), confirmed its sanction. This non-AC service is poised to connect Bihar with Western India, benefiting migrants, students, and traders traveling to Gujarat. However, the absence of a stop at Ara Junction has caused some local dissatisfaction, with railway officials explaining that limited stops aim for quicker long-distance travel.
- Train 21905 (Ahmedabad-Patna): Departs Ahmedabad on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM, arriving in Patna on Thursdays at 12:30 AM.
- Train 21906 (Patna-Ahmedabad): Departs Patna on Fridays at 10:30 PM, reaching Ahmedabad on Sundays at 5:25 AM.
- Key Stoppages: Anand, Chhayapuri, Godhra, Dahod, Ratlam, Bhawani Mandi, Ramganj Mandi, Kota, Sawai Madhopur, Gangapur City, Hindaun City, Bayana, Idgah (Agra), Tundla, Govindpuri, Subedarganj, and Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction. After DDU, the train proceeds directly to Patna Junction.
- Fare: As a non-AC train, its fare is expected to be comparable to regular unreserved train services.
Enhanced Local and Regional Connectivity
Indian Railways has also greenlighted two more services to boost intra-state travel.
Patna-Rajgir Express (Train 13354/13353)
This express service aims to strengthen connectivity between the capital and the historically significant city of Rajgir. It is expected to benefit tourism, pilgrims, and daily commuters by offering an affordable and quicker alternative to road transport. Current Patna-Rajgir special train fares in general class are around ₹50, and similar affordable pricing is anticipated for this new regular service.
- Train 13354 (Patna-Rajgir): Departs Patna at 9:20 AM, arriving in Rajgir at 12:45 PM.
- Train 13353 (Rajgir-Patna): Departs Rajgir at 3:10 PM, arriving in Patna at 6:45 PM.
Saharsa-Jamalpur MEMU (Train 63398/63397)
The new MEMU train will significantly improve local connectivity, particularly for the Kosi and Ang regions of Bihar. It will serve as an economical and time-saving option for daily travelers, linking smaller stations between Saharsa and Jamalpur. Existing MEMU special services on this route, like 05509 Saharsa-Jamalpur MEMU Special, offer various quotas including GN, TQ, SS, and LD.
- Train 63398 (Saharsa-Jamalpur MEMU): Departs Saharsa at 5:15 AM, arriving in Jamalpur at 8:05 AM.
- Train 63397 (Jamalpur-Saharsa MEMU): Departs Jamalpur at 9:45 PM, arriving in Saharsa at 1:00 AM.
The introduction of these new trains is set to strengthen Bihar’s rail network, enhancing connectivity with various parts of the country and stimulating economic and social activities within the state. Alongside these rail improvements, several railway stations in Bihar are undergoing modernization and reconstruction under the Amrit Bharat scheme.
In parallel, Patna’s Jayprakash Narayan International Airport is preparing to resume late-night flight operations from March 29, 2026, four years after they were halted. The new summer schedule, effective from March 29 to October 24, will feature a total of 44 flights from Patna, including 13 pairs of flights to Delhi.
