Introduction of new trains from Bihar

4766. SHRI AJAY KUMAR MANDAL:

Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Railways has taken any steps to improve connectivity from Bihar to other States, if so, the details thereof;

(b) whether East Central Railway and Eastern Railway Zone have proposed to introduce more trains from Bihar to cities of other States in the past years in view of the increasing demand for more trains, if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether any request/proposal has also been received from Eastern Railway to include Bhagalpur station in the route of Agartala Rajdhani, which is beneficial for public and the same will bring in more revenue to Railways; and

(d) if so, the time by which the Government proposes to run Agartala Rajdhani via Bhagalpur station?

(a) to (d) Indian Railways (IR) does not operate train services on State- wise basis as railway network straddles across state boundaries. Proposals for starting new trains and diversion of trains, including Rajdhani trains, received from Zonal Railways are examined and depending upon traffic pattern, operational feasibility, competing demands, resource availability etc., trains are introduced / diverted and this is an ongoing process.

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