Dehradun: Uttarakhand is set to receive a major boost to its rail connectivity, with the Railway Ministry approving the extension of the Bandra Terminus–Delhi Sarai Rohilla Garib Rath Express up to Haridwar.
The ministry has also approved the operation of two new AC train services — the Haridwar–Veraval AC Express and the Haridwar–Okha AC Express.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conveyed the decisions to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a letter. The move is being viewed as a significant step towards strengthening the state’s rail network and improving connectivity with major parts of the country.
CM Dhami Thanks PM Modi and Railway Minister
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami welcomed the expansion of rail services and expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the decision.
Dhami said stronger rail connectivity would play an important role in accelerating Uttarakhand’s religious tourism, tourism and economic activities.
He said rail services in the state are being expanded continuously with the support of the central government, adding that the new and extended services would provide greater convenience to pilgrims, tourists, traders, students and ordinary passengers travelling to and from Uttarakhand.
Better Connectivity with Western India
The extension of the Garib Rath service to Haridwar, along with the proposed AC services to Veraval and Okha, is expected to improve Uttarakhand’s connectivity with Gujarat, Maharashtra and other major regions of the country.
For Haridwar, one of the country’s major religious destinations, the expansion is particularly significant from the perspective of pilgrimage and tourism. Better rail connectivity is expected to facilitate passenger movement while supporting tourism and commercial activity across the state.
