• Source:JND
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Vande Bharat Update: Great news for Bihar! The Ministry of Railways is gearing up to launch Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat Express trains between Raxaul and Kolkata, a move that promises faster, more comfortable travel between the two cities. With this, Raxaul is on track to become a major railway hub, thanks to a host of development projects already in progress.

Work has already begun on upgrading the Overhead Equipment (OHE), a crucial step for running high-speed trains. In addition, a modern washing pit is being built at Raxaul to maintain premium trains like Vande Bharat. A similar facility is also being set up at Saharsa, according to Jagran.com.

A tender worth approx Rs 65 lakh has been announced for the OHE upgradation, with a strict six-month completion deadline. The estimated cost is Rs 65,03,720.66. The tender will be submitted via e-tendering, with an earnest money deposit of Rs 1,30,100 required. Detailed information and tender documents can be found on the website: http://www.ireps.gov.in. Any revisions or changes to the tender will be updated directly on the website and not published in newspapers.

The tender submission will close on 16 June at 12 noon, and will be opened the same day at 12:30 PM.

Proposal Nears Approval

The proposal to run Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains on the Raxaul-Kolkata route was initially sent by Vinay Srivastava, Divisional Railway Manager of Samastipur Division, to the Railway Board via East Central Railway. With a direct rail line already in place, the plan is now close to getting final approval, raising hopes for better connectivity across state borders.

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Raxaul to Become a World-Class Station

To support this transformation, the Union Budget 2025–26 has allocated crores of rupees for the overall development of Raxaul Junction, located near the India–Nepal border.

The Samastipur Division has been witnessing remarkable railway development. Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the first Amrit Bharat train from Ayodhya to Darbhanga on 22 January during the Ram Mandir Pran Pratishtha ceremony. Devotees from Janakpur Dham joined in large numbers, carrying traditional gifts like kalewa. Cultural icons, sadhus, saints, and Madhubani artists also took part in the memorable event.

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Following this, the first Vande Bharat and the second Namo Bharat train in the country were allotted to this division, highlighting its rising importance in the railway network.