Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off two semi-high-speed Patna-Lucknow and New Jalpaiguri-Patna Vande Bharat Express trains through video conference. The Patna-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express will connect two pilgrim cities Ayodhya and Varanasi also and cut short the journey period between the capital cities of Bihar and Uttar Pradesh. The New Jalpaiguri-Patna Vande Bharat Express was demanded by the people of Seemanchal and it will also provide connectivity to several important cities of Bihar and West Bengal.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated medical stores for generic medicines Jan Aushadhi Kendra at Patna, Darbhanga, Katihar, and other stations. Under the drive of One Station, One Product to promote local handicrafts, special products, and GI tag products stores were inaugurated at Samastipur, Bhagalpur, Banka, and Begusarai railway stations in the presence of a large number of local people, officials, and people’s representatives.

The Prime Minister also inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stone of railway projects worth around 13,228 crore rupees related to East Central Railway which covers the major parts of Bihar.

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar attended the programme through video conference from his office in Patna. Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar, several ministers, and MPs were present at Patna junction during the ceremony.