Modi in Motihari to Spotlight Rail-led Bihar Poll Plot
PM Narendra Modi addressing a rally in Muzaffarpur, Bihar, in 2015
Motihari to host key event on July 18 as Bihar emerges focal point in pre-election infrastructure push
By AMIT KUMAR
MOTIHARI, July 16, 2025 — Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Motihari in Bihar on July 18 to lay the foundation stone for a slew of critical railway infrastructure projects and flag off three new Amrit Bharat Express trains, in what is being seen as a significant infrastructure push ahead of the Bihar Assembly elections scheduled later this year.
At a grand function in Motihari, the Prime Minister will inaugurate and dedicate several high-value railway works, reflecting the Centre’s renewed focus on boosting connectivity and logistics capacity in the region. Key projects include:
- Development of maintenance infrastructure for Vande Bharat trains
- Signalling system upgrades along the Bhatni–Chhapra Gramin rail section
- Upgradation of traction systems in the same corridor
- Doubling of key rail lines in stretches including Darbhanga–Narkatiaganj, Darbhanga–Thalwara, and Samastipur–Rambhadrapur
- Automatic signalling between Samastipur and Bachhwara rail line
- Development of Baruani Washing Pit Line
- Inauguration of a Gati Shakti Cargo Terminal at Pasraha
These efforts are part of the Centre’s broader Gati Shakti initiative, which aims to integrate transport and logistics infrastructure for faster movement of goods and services.
In a major move for passengers, the Prime Minister will also flag off three new Amrit Bharat Express trains: Patna–New Delhi; Malda Town–Lucknow (Gomtinagar); and Darbhanga–Lucknow (Gomtinagar).
These semi-high-speed trains are designed for faster intercity travel at affordable fares and will enhance connectivity between Bihar and other parts of northern and eastern India. Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw had visited Motihari in Bihar a few days ago to prepare for the visit of the Prime Minister. Modi has already visited Bihar on 51 occasions after becoming the Prime Minister of the country in an indication of the political importance of the state.
Strategic Timing Ahead of Bihar Elections
The Motihari event is the latest in a series of high-profile Bihar visits by PM Modi, as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) looks to consolidate its position ahead of the state elections. In recent months, Modi has unveiled projects ranging from highway expansions to health and education infrastructure across the state. His earlier visit to Aurangabad in June saw the launch of development initiatives worth over ₹20,000 crore.
Political observers view these events as part of the BJP’s broader effort to shore up support in Bihar, where the party is hoping to regain lost ground after recent electoral setbacks and changing political alliances. With the opposition trying to unite around regional parties and the Congress, Bihar is shaping up to be one of the most fiercely contested states in the upcoming Assembly polls.
The Centre’s investments in Bihar are also being framed as part of Modi’s larger vision of Viksit Bharat by 2047 — with infrastructure-led growth in backward and underserved states playing a central role.
As PM Modi arrives in Motihari on July 18, all eyes will be on the political and developmental messaging from the dais — aimed not just at Bihar, but at the nation’s evolving political landscape.
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