Ashwini Vaishnaw unveils Rs 350 crore development plan for Jamalpur Rail Factory.

Patna, May 23, 2025: Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the historic Jamalpur Rail Factory on Friday, announcing a major development initiative worth Rs 350 crore in the first phase to transform the facility into a Centre of Excellence.

This marks the first visit by a Railway Minister to the factory in 17 years.

Arriving by a special saloon coach, Ashwini Vaishnaw was welcomed by thousands of locals.

Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected Jamalpur station and railway factory:

He inspected the ongoing redevelopment work at the station under the Amrit Bharat Yojana and later reached the factory, where he officially handed over the iconic 140-tonne crane to Indian Railways.

Ashwini Vaishnaw also laid the foundation stone for a Rs 78.96 crore project aimed at enhancing the capacity for wagon Periodic Overhaul (POH).

Addressing the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMI) auditorium, he emphasized the heritage and potential of Jamalpur, Asia’s first railway factory.

He reaffirmed the government’s vision to turn it into a modern, high-capacity industrial and training hub.

Leaders in attendance:

The event saw participation from Union Minister and Munger MP Rajiv Ranjan Singh alias Lalan Singh, Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary, Vijay Kumar Sinha, Jamalpur MLA Ajay Kumar Singh, Munger MLA Pranav Kumar, BJP MLC Lal Mohan Gupta and senior railway officers.

Lalan Singh said that the Indian Railways owns 147 acres in Jamalpur, and emphasized the need for optimal development.

“We are confident the Railway Minister will fulfil this responsibility,” he added.

He also highlighted Bihar’s progress since 2005 under Nitish Kumar, citing top national rankings in fish and milk production.

Deputy CM Samrat Choudhary called for the revival of Vikramshila University, referencing the central government’s efforts in re-establishing Nalanda. Deputy CM Vijay Sinha spoke about India’s railway transformation, from the days of Mughalsarai and Janata trains to Vande Bharat, highlighting improved safety.

Meanwhile, Congress MLA Ajay Kumar Singh raised concerns over the decline in employment at the Jamalpur factory, stating, “Earlier, 22,000 workers were employed here; today only 5,000 remain. If parts are manufactured within Bihar itself, the state will truly develop.”

Also Read: Ashwini Vaishnav will launch a Rs 79 crore project in the rail engine factory Jamalpur.

EOM.