Modi in Bihar: Will flag-off Humsafar Express, launch locomotive factory
What's the story
PM Narendra Modi arrived in Motihari, Bihar today to take part in the concluding ceremony of the Champaran Satyagraha centenary. He will flag off the inaugural run of the Humsafar Express between Katihar and New Delhi. He will also dedicate the Madhepura-based electric locomotive factory to the nation and lay the foundation stone for the doubling of the proposed Muzaffarpur-Sugauli-Valmikinagar track.
Details
Why are these projects important?
The Humsafar Express, fully AC 3-tier train with amenities, will cover the Katihar-New Delhi distance of 1,383 kms in 30 hours. Further, the locomotive factory is a joint venture between Indian Railways and French giant Alstom. Notably, it is the first major FDI project in the rail sector. The Rs. 20,000cr project will possibly roll out 800 electric locos in the next 11 years.
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What else does the PM plan to do?
At the Champaran Satyagraha celebrations, PM will address the "Swachchh Bharat Mission" volunteers and inaugurate an exhibition titled "Swachhagraha - Bapu Ko Karyanjali - Ek Abhiyan, Ek Pradarshani." The Champaran Satyagraha was started by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917 to protest British atrocities on indigo planters.
Controversies
Meanwhile, Modi's visit is also marred by some controversies
Separately, the Bharat Bandh call against caste-based reservations/jobs is gaining momentum in Bihar. Protesters stopped a train in Arrah. Clashes and gunshots were reported and curfew was imposed in Bhind and Morena. Further, there is speculation about whether JD(U)'s demand for a special category status for Bihar will be taken up. However, no official meeting is scheduled between the PM and CM Nitish Kumar.