Gayaji, August 22 (HS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to gift Bihar two new train services from Gaya today, along with inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹12,000 crore. Among the many projects lined up, the spotlight remains on the two much-awaited trains that will significantly ease travel for people across Magadh and neighboring regions.
The first is the Amrit Bharat Express (13697/13698), which will connect Gaya directly to Delhi. Equipped with modern amenities, the train promises faster and more comfortable travel to the national capital — a huge relief for passengers who have long struggled with overcrowded coaches and scarce direct connections.
The second service is a fast MEMU (03626) train between Koderma and Vaishali. Running six days a week (except Mondays), the train will, for the first time, establish a direct rail link between Gaya, Koderma, and Vaishali, saving passengers the trouble of routing through Patna or other junctions.
The announcements have sparked excitement among locals, many of whom described the day as “nothing less than a festival.”
Ravi Prakash, a Gaya resident, said Delhi travel has long been a nightmare. With only the Mahabodhi Express running directly, passengers often faced sleepless nights trying to book tickets. Overcrowding forced many to travel in aisles or even near washrooms. “The launch of Amrit Bharat Express will be a huge relief,” he added, urging the government to convert it into a daily service.
Rishabh, another resident, echoed the sentiment, calling the Delhi journey “a test of endurance.” He stressed that while the new service is a welcome move, it should run daily to meet the overwhelming demand. For Vaishali too, he said, “the MEMU service means no more detours via Patna — travel will finally become easier.”
Meera Sen, a woman commuter, said reaching Delhi was once a “nightmare for Bihar travelers.” Often, she added, people were forced to endure journeys standing for hours. “This new option brings hope not only for Delhi but also for religious and historic destinations like Vaishali.”
Neetu, another Gaya resident, noted that trips to Vaishali were unnecessarily time-consuming and costly in the absence of a direct train. “Now, travelers will save both time and money. Delhi’s Amrit Bharat Express too is a gift, but it must run daily to serve the real purpose,” she stressed.
Other passengers voiced a similar opinion: while both new trains are being hailed as a “boon” for the region, the demand for Delhi-bound services is daily and urgent. Many urged the government to not only increase frequency but also open more such direct routes in the coming years.
With the new launches, residents see a long-standing travel hurdle finally being addressed — and are now looking forward to further expansions in Bihar’s railway network.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar