Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajanlal Sharma jointly flagged off the Jaipur-Darbhanga Amrit Bharat Express from Khatiapura Railway Station in Jaipur on Monday, 22 June 2026, inaugurating a new inter-state rail link between Rajasthan and Bihar. The launch also marked the inauguration of the Mega Coaching Terminal at Khatiapura and upgraded passenger amenities at select railway stations in the state.

Context

The Chief Minister's Office of Rajasthan announced the event via an official post, quoting CM Bhajanlal Sharma as saying that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, railway infrastructure and passenger facilities in Rajasthan are witnessing 'अभूतपूर्व विस्तार' (unprecedented expansion). He added that new rail services will make travel 'more smooth, safe, and convenient' for residents of the state while giving fresh momentum to development and connectivity.

The Jaipur-Darbhanga route directly connects two major population centres across state lines, easing inter-state movement for passengers from Rajasthan travelling to Bihar and vice versa — a corridor that previously lacked a direct express service under the Amrit Bharat banner.

Policy Backdrop

The Amrit Bharat Express is a category of long-distance trains introduced by Indian Railways in 2023, featuring modern LHB coaches, improved onboard amenities, and enhanced operational speeds on select routes. The scheme was conceived to replace ageing rakes and upgrade the passenger experience on non-premium intercity corridors.

Rajasthan has been a focus state for railway modernisation since 2023, with multiple station redevelopment projects launched under the Amrit Bharat Stations scheme. The Union Budget 2024-25 allocated record capital expenditure to Indian Railways, with an explicit emphasis on new train services and terminal upgrades in states including Rajasthan. The Khatiapura Mega Coaching Terminal is a product of that sustained infrastructure push.

Stakeholders and Impact

The primary beneficiaries are rail passengers in Rajasthan and Bihar — two states with significant migrant labour and student populations that depend heavily on affordable long-distance rail travel. A direct Amrit Bharat service reduces dependence on indirect routing through Delhi or Agra, cutting travel time and cost for thousands of commuters.

The inauguration of the Mega Coaching Terminal at Khatiapura is equally significant for Jaipur's rail logistics: a dedicated coaching terminal increases the city's capacity to originate and terminate trains, relieving congestion at the main Jaipur Junction. Upgraded passenger amenities at associated stations are expected to improve the baseline travel experience across the network.

What's Next

Indian Railways has signalled further expansion of the Amrit Bharat Express network, and additional services originating from Rajasthan are widely anticipated in upcoming railway budget sessions or state-level reviews. The Khatiapura terminal's enhanced capacity positions Jaipur as a more prominent originating hub for long-distance services across northern and eastern India.

With the BJP government in Rajasthan keen to showcase infrastructure delivery ahead of future electoral cycles, further joint announcements involving the Union Railway Ministry and the state government are likely in the months ahead, potentially covering new routes, station redevelopments, or freight corridor extensions.