Union Railways Ministry flags off Champaran Satyagrah Express train in Bihar

Union Railways Ministry has flagged off Champaran Satyagrah Express train at a function in Motihari, Bihar.
The train was flagged off by Union Railway Minister Suresh Prabhu. This train will run between Bapudham, Motihari to Anand Vihar, Delhi.
Champaran Satyagrah Express train has been introduced to mark 100 years of the historic Champaran Satyagraha (movement) launched by Mahatma Gandhi in 1917.
It is weekly train which will have load combination of 15 coaches, including one third AC, six sleeper and six general coaches and two brake vans.
Besides, the Union Minister also inaugurated Banmankhi – Purnea rail section and Pipraha Railway Station. He also inaugurated road over bridges at Motihar, Begusarai and Danapur through video conferencing.
Background
The Champaran Satyagraha of 1917 was Mahatma Gandhi’s first Satyagraha in India. It was launched against the oppressive policies European indigo planters that led to exploitation of tens of thousands of landless serfs, indentured labourers and poor farmers in Champaran and neighbouring areas. Champaran and Kheda Satyagraha were the events which later put Gandhi on the front seat of Indian National Revolution and made Satyagraha a powerful tool.

Month: Current Affairs - June, 2016