Vinod Bhat
In a significant move towards bolstering the railway infrastructure of Bihar, Union Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, recently laid the foundation stone for the wagon POH (Periodical Overhauling) capacity augmentation project at the Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop. This pivotal project, worth ₹78.96 crore, is set to enhance the workshop’s monthly wagon overhauling capacity, ultimately improving turnaround times, increasing wagon availability, and optimizing railway operations.
Accompanied by notable leaders including Union Minister Shri Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, and Deputy Chief Ministers of Bihar, Shri Samrat Choudhary and Shri Vijay Kumar Sinha, the Minister expressed his vision for the future of Bihar’s railways. During a prior meeting with Chief Minister Shri Nitish Kumar in Patna, they discussed the progress and ongoing railway projects in the region.
The day included a thorough inspection of the Jamalpur station, where a redevelopment initiative, bolstered by a ₹30 crore investment, is already in motion. At the workshop, Minister Vaishnaw observed the production of various wagons and the state-of-the-art equipment being manufactured, including a newly developed 140-tonne crane.
A highlight of Minister Vaishnaw’s visit was the release of a booklet titled “Centre of Excellence” at IRIMEE Jamalpur, outlining a comprehensive development scheme for engineering disciplines such as Welding, Pneumatics, Hydraulics, and Mechatronics. This scheme represents a bold investment of ₹350 crore aimed at enhancing training facilities for engineers in the region.
Reflecting on the extraordinary growth in railway funding, Minister Vaishnaw noted the remarkable increase in Bihar’s railway budget from approximately ₹1,000 crore a decade ago to an impressive ₹10,000 crore today. With initiatives like the redevelopment of 98 stations and various railway projects valued at ₹1,00,000 crore, the future of Bihar’s railway system looks bright. Over the last decade, 1,832 kilometers of new track has been laid and significant electrification efforts have reduced dependency on oil imports.
Leaders present at the event praised Minister Vaishnaw for his insightful approach to development. Deputy Chief Minister Shri Choudhary and Shri Sinha echoed their gratitude for the Railways’ commitment to transforming Bihar.
With this latest initiative, Bihar is set to witness substantial advancements in its railway infrastructure, positively impacting transport and connectivity throughout the region. The future indeed looks promising for the railways in Bihar, paving the way for enhanced economic growth and development for the people!
