“12–13 Trains Are Not Enough for Bihar”: Jitan Ram Manjhi Flags Rail Crisis Ahead of Union Budget

Patna:
Ahead of the Union Budget 2026, Union Minister and Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) patron Jitan Ram Manjhi has raised serious concerns over the acute shortage of trains between Delhi and Bihar, calling the existing arrangements inadequate for the massive passenger load on the route.

In a post on social media platform X, Manjhi said that the 12–13 trains currently operating between New Delhi and Bihar are insufficient to cater to the needs of lakhs of passengers who travel regularly between the two regions.

Overcrowding at New Delhi Station Raises Alarm

Sharing his personal experience, the senior leader said he witnessed unprecedented crowding at New Delhi Railway Station during his journey to Prayagraj, which prompted him to flag the issue publicly.

“While travelling from Delhi to Prayagraj today, I realised that the 12–13 trains running from New Delhi to Bihar are far too few compared to the enormous number of passengers commuting daily,” Manjhi wrote.

He stressed that long queues, overcrowded platforms and shortage of general coaches have become routine problems for Bihar-bound passengers.

Demand for More Trains and General Coaches

Manjhi urged the central government and the Railway Ministry to increase both the number of trains and general-category coaches, particularly for migrant workers, students and low-income passengers who depend heavily on unreserved travel.

“Considering the historic work done by the NDA government over the last ten years in railway modernisation and public convenience, adding more trains and general coaches on the Bihar–Delhi route would be truly beneficial for the common people,” he added.

Praise for NDA, Yet a Firm Demand

While raising the issue, the Union Minister also praised the NDA government’s decade-long efforts in modernising Indian Railways, including infrastructure upgrades, improved safety standards and passenger amenities.

However, he maintained that modernization must go hand in hand with capacity expansion, especially on routes connected to high-migration states like Bihar.

Political Signal Before the Budget

Manjhi’s demand is being viewed as a strategic political message ahead of the Rail Budget, with Bihar remaining one of the largest contributors of migrant passengers to metropolitan cities.

Political analysts believe the statement reflects growing pressure to address everyday travel hardships faced by millions of Bihari passengers, particularly in the general category.

With the Union Budget approaching, all eyes are now on whether the Railway Ministry will respond to Manjhi’s appeal by announcing additional trains or coach augmentation for the Bihar route.