News Brief
Arun Dhital
May 24, 2025, 12:14 PM | Updated 12:14 PM IST
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Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited the historic Jamalpur Railway Workshop in Bihar on Friday (May 23), Zee News reported.
During his visit, he announced a comprehensive Rs 350 crore modernisation plan aimed at upgrading infrastructure and skill development facilities.
At the Indian Railways Institute of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering (IRIMEE), Vaishnaw released a booklet titled Centre of Excellence, detailing the planned investment.
The funds will be used for developing infrastructure and training programs in key technical areas such as welding, pneumatics, hydraulics, and mechatronics, according to Patna Press.
As part of the visit, the minister also inaugurated a Rs 78.96 crore project intended to increase the workshop’s wagon overhaul capacity from 545 to 800 units per month.
In a symbolic gesture, Vaishnaw officially handed over the iconic 140-ton crane, long associated with Jamalpur’s engineering legacy, to Indian Railways.
Speaking at IRIMEE, Vaishnaw highlighted the Jamalpur Workshop’s historic importance as Asia’s first railway workshop (established in 1862). He reiterated the central government’s commitment to its modernisation and integrated development.
Located in Bihar’s Munger district, the Jamalpur Workshop spans over 5.7 lakh square meters.
Vaishnaw highlighted major developments in Bihar’s rail sector.
He noted that the railway budget for the state has grown from Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 10,000 crore in the last decade.
He mentioned the addition of 1,832 km of new tracks in Bihar.
He also pointed to the electrification of over 50,000 km of railways across India.
The launch of Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat trains from Bihar, he said, reflects the Modi government’s commitment to the region.