Another Step Towards Strengthening Railway Infrastructure in Bihar

Minister of Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics and Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw laid the foundation stone for the Wagon POH Capacity Enhancement Project at Jamalpur Locomotive Workshop

On this occasion, Union Minister of Panchayati Raj, Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, and Bihar Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha were also present

During his visit to Bihar, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived in Patna on May 23, 2025, where he met with Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and discussed railway-related projects in the state.

Throughout the day, the Railway Minister conducted a window trailing inspection between Patna and Jamalpur, issuing necessary instructions to officials. Rajiv Ranjan Singh, Samrat Choudhary, and Vijay Kumar Sinha accompanied him during the inspection.

Upon arrival in #Jamalpur, the Railway Minister inspected Jamalpur station and reviewed the ongoing redevelopment work being carried out at a cost of ₹30 crore, giving directions to ensure quality and timely completion.

At Jamalpur Workshop, he, along with other ministers and dignitaries, visited the Wagon Manufacturing Shop and Crane Shop. He also announced a new project worth ₹78.96 crore to enhance the #POH (Periodic Overhauling) capacity for wagons.

In the Wagon Manufacturing Workshop, the Minister inspected the locally manufactured BOXN wagons, BLCs wagons, and brake vans with toilet facilities. At the Crane Workshop, he examined newly built 140-ton cranes, 8-wheeler tower cars, and the renowned Jamalpur jack – all signature products of the workshop. The employees of the workshop gave him a warm welcome.

He later visited the Indian Railway Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (#IRIMEE) in Jamalpur, where he released a booklet titled “Centre of Excellence,” outlining detailed development plans for branches like welding, pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechatronics. This booklet includes strategic plans for upgrading infrastructure and training facilities at IRIMEE.

A total investment of ₹350 crore will be made for the development and upgrading of Jamalpur station, IRIMEE, and the workshop.

Considering current and future needs, there is a consistent increase in the production goals for wagons, cranes, and the Jamalpur jack. With the foundation laying of the project to enhance the wagon POH capacity from 545 to 800 wagons per month, the overhauling capacity will rise by over 255 units per month. The project, costing approximately ₹79 crore, will reduce turnaround time, increase wagon availability, and improve operational efficiency.

Starting from 2026, IRIMEE will begin skill development training for the public in mechanical, electrical, and electronics fields. This institute is set to become a premier academic center and a milestone in technical education in India.

Between 2009 and 2014, Bihar received an average of ₹1,132 crore annually for railway development. Under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s tenure, this has increased to ₹10,066 crore this year—9 times more.

From 2009–14, an average of 64 km of new railway lines were constructed annually in Bihar, while from 2014–24, the average rose to 167 km per year—2.5 times more. Electrification also saw a significant boost from 30 km/year to 275 km/year—a ninefold increase. Since 2014, 1,832 km of new lines and 3,020 km of railway track electrification have been completed in Bihar, making it 100% electrified—comparable to Malaysia’s total railway network.

These developments are expected to greatly improve Bihar’s socio-economic landscape.

Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan Singh praised the Railway Minister’s inclusive and detailed approach to development. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha expressed their gratitude for the Railways’ contribution to Bihar’s progress.

MLAs Pranav Kumar, Ajay Kumar Singh, Rajeev Kumar Sinha, and Lal Mohan Gupta, along with General Managers Chatrasal Singh, East Central Railway and Milind Deouskar, Eastern Railway, were also present.