GayaJi(Bihar), Aug 22 (HS):
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the new Buddha Circuit Fast MEMU Train (03626) from Gaya, set to connect some of Bihar’s most significant Buddhist pilgrimage and heritage destinations. Operated by East Central Railway, the service will run between Vaishali and Koderma, halting at 14 key stations including Hajipur, Patna, Bihar Sharif, Nalanda, Rajgir and Gaya.
The train is expected to make travel far more convenient for international tourists and Buddhist pilgrims, especially those visiting from countries with large Buddhist populations such as Thailand, Cambodia, Myanmar, Sri Lanka, Laos, Bhutan, Mongolia, Japan, China, Vietnam, South Korea, Taiwan and Singapore. Thousands of Buddhists from these nations visit Bihar annually, and the direct connections to Nalanda, Rajgir and Gaya are expected to further boost arrivals.
Spiritual, Cultural and Economic Significance
-The Buddha Circuit train will not only improve ease of travel but also help Bihar strengthen its cultural and intellectual identity.
-Nalanda, once Asia’s greatest centre of learning, is renowned for its ancient university.
-Rajgir is a sacred site for both Buddhists and Jains, home to the Venuvan, Saptparni caves and World Peace Stupa.
-Vaishali hosted the Second Buddhist Council and preserves relics of the Buddha alongside the Ashoka Pillar.
-Gaya’s Mahabodhi Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, marks the place where Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, while also drawing Hindu pilgrims.
Officials believe improved connectivity will boost religious tourism, strengthen Bihar’s international profile, and provide economic benefits through hospitality, handicrafts, guiding services and local markets. Increased tourist inflows are also expected to generate employment opportunities for youth and support rural economies.
Local Benefits
The train is expected to ease travel for students, professionals and traders along the route, providing faster and more convenient connectivity between major towns. With limited existing passenger and bus services, the MEMU train promises a new lifeline for commuters to Patna, Hajipur, Fatuha, Gaya and Koderma, while also supporting business expansion.
Political Context
With elections approaching in Bihar, the Buddha Circuit’s launch is also being projected as a major development initiative tying together religious tourism, economic uplift and cultural heritage. The move underscores the government’s strategy of promoting spiritual tourism while addressing local transport needs.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar