Vaishnaw flags off 3 new rail services for Bihar, UP
Synopsis
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary flagged off three rail services on 19 June 2026 — a new Chhapra–Delhi Express, a Mau–Delhi Express, and an extension of the Dohrighat service to Varanasi — boosting connectivity for Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh.
Key Takeaways
Three rail services were flagged off jointly by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Bihar CM Samrat Choudhary on 19 June 2026 .
A new Chhapra–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express has been launched, providing direct capital connectivity from Chhapra .
A regular Mau–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express has been introduced for eastern Uttar Pradesh passengers.
The existing Dohrighat–Audihaar train service has been extended to Varanasi .
The services benefit passengers in Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh , including migrant workers and students travelling to Delhi .
The launches continue a post- 2019 Railway policy of expanding express train frequency on existing broad-gauge corridors without new track construction.
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday, 19 June 2026, jointly flagged off three new and extended rail services connecting Bihar and Uttar Pradesh to the national capital, alongside Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary. The move adds direct express connectivity on the Chhapra–Delhi and Mau–Delhi corridors while extending an existing service from Dohrighat all the way to Varanasi.
Context
Posting on X in Hindi, Vaishnaw wrote: 'Aaj Bihar ke Mukhyamantri Shri Samrat ji ke saath Bihar aur Uttar Pradesh ke liye 3 rail sevaon ka hari jhandi dikhakar shubharambh kiya' — 'Today, along with Bihar Chief Minister Shri Samrat ji, I flagged off 3 rail services for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh.' The three services are: a new Chhapra–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express, a regular Mau–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express, and an extension of the Dohrighat–Audihaar train service up to Varanasi.
Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi serves as the endpoint for multiple express services originating from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, making it a critical node for migrant workers, students, and daily passengers travelling to the capital.
Policy Backdrop
Railway budgets since 2019 have consistently prioritised new express and mail trains linking Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh districts to Delhi, reflecting the political and economic importance of the corridor. The approach has centred on increasing train frequency and reach on existing broad-gauge routes rather than requiring new track construction — a cost-effective method of improving daily connectivity.
Successive Railway Ministers have used joint flag-offs with state leaders to signal incremental improvements in regional connectivity. This pattern continues with Friday's event, co-hosted by Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, a senior BJP leader in the state.
Stakeholders and Impact
The primary beneficiaries are rail passengers in Chhapra, Mau, Dohrighat, and surrounding districts — regions with significant labour migration to Delhi and other urban centres. Direct express connectivity reduces travel time and eliminates the need for inconvenient interchanges at intermediate junctions.
The extension of the Dohrighat–Audihaar service to Varanasi is particularly significant for eastern Uttar Pradesh, connecting smaller towns to one of India's most important religious and commercial hubs. District economies along these corridors stand to gain from improved movement of people and goods.
What's Next
Passenger occupancy and operational feedback on the three services over the coming months will be closely watched as indicators of demand on these routes. Further route extensions or additional frequencies on the Bihar–UP–Delhi corridor could follow, subject to Railway Board decisions in subsequent planning cycles. The flag-off also sets the stage for broader announcements as the government continues to prioritise eastern India's rail network ahead of future budget cycles.
Point of View
In particular, carries symbolic weight given Prime Minister Modi's constituency, signalling continued attention to the eastern UP belt. Whether these additions translate to measurable relief for passengers or remain largely symbolic will depend on operational consistency and actual seat availability in the months ahead.
NationPress
5 Aug 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Which new trains were launched for Bihar and Uttar Pradesh on 19 June 2026?
Three services were launched: a new Chhapra–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express, a regular Mau–Delhi (Anand Vihar) Express, and an extension of the Dohrighat–Audihaar train service up to Varanasi.
Who flagged off the new Bihar and UP train services?
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw flagged off the three services jointly with Bihar Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary on 19 June 2026.
What is the Chhapra–Delhi Anand Vihar Express?
It is a newly launched express train connecting Chhapra in Bihar directly to Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi, announced on 19 June 2026 by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
How does the Dohrighat train extension to Varanasi help passengers?
The extension links smaller towns in eastern Uttar Pradesh served by the Dohrighat–Audihaar route directly to Varanasi, one of the region's most important religious and commercial centres, without requiring a change of train.
Why is Anand Vihar Terminal important for Bihar and UP trains?
Anand Vihar Terminal in Delhi is a major hub that serves as the Delhi endpoint for multiple express services from Bihar and eastern Uttar Pradesh, making it the primary arrival and departure point for passengers travelling to the capital from these states.
