Hazaribagh, Feb. 8: Nearly 162 years after the first train rumbled on Indian soil, people of Hazaribagh are gearing up to celebrate one of the most defining moments in their history.

On February 20, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to arrive in Hazaribagh to inaugurate Hazaribagh's railway station as well as flag off the first passenger train from here to Koderma.

Railway officials claimed the 80-km Hazaribagh-Koderma route was ready and preparations for the inauguration was going on a war footing.

'The Prime Minister will flag off the first train on the stretch around 3pm on February 20,' said a senior railway official at Hazaribagh station.

According to him, between Hazaribagh and Koderma, the train will halt at seven new stations - Kandsar-Nawada, Katkamsandi, Katotia, Khuragarha, Padma, Barhi and Pipradih. In all, eight new stations - Koderma being the old one - are part of the route.

Those willing to witness the historical moment can buy a ticket for Rs 20 for a joyride through misty hills, forest terrain, glorious views and numerous twists and turns on board the first train from Hazaribagh to Koderma.

'The two-and-a-half-hour ride is going to be very exciting as the train will pass by hills and forests, including the Hazaribagh Wildlife Sanctuary. But the most thrilling part will be a 350m-long bridge over the scenic Tilaiya Dam. The railways have fixed the fare for a Hazaribagh-Koderma trip at an affordable Rs 20,' he said.

The number of trains on the route and their timings are likely to be finalised before the grand inauguration.

Currently, people pay Rs 55 for a bus trip to Koderma, a 60km journey from Hazaribagh that takes an hour and 20 minutes. 'Though a train will take two and half hours, it will be a comfortable journey. Also, it will be convenient for people who go to Koderma to catch trains to either Howrah or Delhi,' the official said.

The Dhanbad division of East Central Railway has asked for 63 home guard personnel to man the eight new stations, apart from opening a new post of RPF in Hazaribagh.

But, former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, the driving force behind this project, is optimistic.

' Jab itna bada kaam ho gaya to phir choti choti batein bhi ho jayengi (When such a big project has become a reality, these smaller issues will be taken care of),' Sinha said.