Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and made many important proposals regarding Vande Bharat, new rail services, rail projects and development of stations.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav in New Delhi and held detailed discussions on strengthening the rail network in the state, starting new rail services and expeditiously completing pending rail projects. The Chief Minister put forward many important proposals before the Central Government keeping in mind the religious tourism, Chardham Yatra, Kumbh-2027 and the geographical needs of the state. The Union Railway Minister assured to consider these proposals positively and take necessary action.
Uttarakhand Rail News: Need for better rail network for Chardham Yatra and tourism
Chief Minister Dhami said that Uttarakhand is included in the major religious, cultural and tourism states of the country. Every year, crores of devotees and tourists from India and abroad visit Chardham Yatra, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kainchi Dham, Jageshwar Dham and other religious places. Apart from this, in view of the Mahakumbh to be held in the year 2027, it is very important to develop a modern and strong railway system in the state. He said that better rail connectivity will not only provide convenience to passengers but will also give new impetus to tourism, trade and investment.
Mumbai to Dehradun Vande Bharat: Demand to run Mumbai-Dehradun Vande Bharat
The Chief Minister said that a large number of people of Uttarakhand origin live in Maharashtra, especially Mumbai, who are constantly commuting from their home state. At the same time, the number of devotees coming to Chardham Yatra, Kainchi Dham and Jageshwar Dham is also continuously increasing. He requested the Union Railway Minister to start Vande Bharat or Superfast Express between Mumbai-Dehradun. Along with this, a demand was also made to increase the number and frequency of trains running between Mumbai-Haridwar and Mumbai-Ramnagar, so that passengers do not face the problem of reservation during festivals, holidays and travel season.
Rail Service Extension: Proposal to extend Dehradun-Kota train to Mumbai
The Chief Minister suggested extending the Dehradun-Kota rail service to Mumbai via Surat, Vadodara. Apart from this, a request was also made to operate Ramnagar-Mumbai and Haridwar-Mumbai rail services regularly or at least three days a week. He said that this will directly benefit the migrant Uttarakhand residents, devotees and tourists.
Rishikesh Ganga Corridor: Demand to hand over the land of old Rishikesh railway station to the state government
Chief Minister Dhami also proposed to close the old railway station of Rishikesh and transfer its land to the state government. He informed that Uttarakhand Government, Uttarakhand Investment and Infrastructure Development Board (UIIDB) and Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) are working together on asset monetization and master planning of Rishikesh Ganga Corridor. He requested the Railway Ministry to issue necessary instructions to RLDA so that the project can be expedited.
Rail Projects Update: Emphasis on Kichha-Khatima rail line and Rishikesh-Karnprayag project
The Chief Minister demanded that the entire cost of the Kichha-Sitarganj-Khatima new railway line project be borne by the Central Government. He also talked about resolving the concerns of local farmers during the survey. Apart from this, he requested to start rail operations in Rishikesh-Karnprayag Rail Project soon so that the people of hilly areas can get better transportation facilities.
Banbasa Railway Station: In-principle approval given for stoppage of three trains
The Chief Minister demanded to ensure short-term stoppage of Triveni Express, Mathura Express and Daurai Express running from Tanakpur at Banbasa railway station. He told that Banbasa is an important trade and strategic area located near the India-Nepal border. A unit of Rajput Regiment of the Indian Army is also present here. Keeping in view the convenience of passengers and local people, the Union Railway Minister gave in-principle approval for the stoppage of these trains at Banbasa station.
Railway Station Development: Discussion on development of Haridwar-Dehradun railway line and stations.
The Chief Minister requested for early completion of the pending work from Raiwala to Dehradun under doubling of Haridwar-Dehradun railway line. Along with this, demand for beautification and expansion of Haridwar, Harrawala, Dehradun, Khatima, Laksar, Roorkee, Tanakpur and Banbasa railway stations was also placed. The Union Railway Minister also gave positive consent to these proposals.
Khateema Railway Gate: Request to reopen the railway gate
The Chief Minister requested to reopen railway gate number 18C located on Khatima-Majhola Pilibhit railway section. He said that due to the closure of the gate, local villagers, farmers and tourists are facing problems. Tourists visiting the Crocodile Park being developed by the state government in this area will also get better facilities. The Union Railway Minister also gave positive consent to this proposal.
Ashwini Vaishnaw Meeting: Railway Minister gave positive assurance on all the proposals
During the meeting, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav assured to give positive consideration to all the proposals put forward by Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and take forward the necessary process. It is expected that with the progress of these projects, rail connectivity in Uttarakhand will be strengthened and tourism as well as economic activities will be promoted.