en.Wedoany.com Reported - The Indian government has launched the first Ramnagar–Dehradun Express train, connecting the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand. Union Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the train via video link, while Uttarakhand Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami participated in the event through video conferencing.
Vaishnaw stated that this new express train fulfills a long-standing public demand and is another major step in improving railway infrastructure in Uttarakhand. The launch of this direct train service is expected to provide thousands of passengers with faster, more convenient, and reliable travel experiences, while also boosting local tourism and driving economic activity.
Improved railway connectivity will make it easier for tourists to visit Jim Corbett National Park, the Girija Devi Temple, and the historical and religious sites of Sitamadhi/Sitavani near Ramnagar. The service is also expected to enhance connectivity with the Char Dham pilgrimage route, facilitating smoother onward journeys from Haridwar and Dehradun to Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri.
Regarding station upgrades, Vaishnaw announced that a master plan is being developed to expand railway capacity and improve passenger flow. Rishikesh railway station will be developed as a satellite station to ease congestion in Haridwar. As part of the station modernization plan, 11 railway stations—including Dehradun, Haridwar Junction, Halwala, Kashipur Junction, Kichha, Kotdwar, Roorkee, Kathgodam, Lalkuan Junction, Ramnagar, and Tanakpur—are undergoing upgrades aimed at providing better facilities for passengers from all walks of life while effectively managing growing passenger traffic.
Vaishnaw also noted that the recently launched Tanakpur–Nainidham Express and Vande Bharat train services have received positive feedback from passengers, reflecting a growing demand for faster and more comfortable rail travel. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Dhami emphasized the importance of the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag railway line, calling it a transformative project that will drive the state's social, economic, religious, and tourism development. He mentioned that the state has received a record railway budget allocation of Rs 47.69 billion this year, with railway infrastructure projects worth over Rs 400 billion currently underway. In preparation for the upcoming Kumbh Mela, additional railway infrastructure upgrades and train services are being planned for Haridwar to handle the expected surge in passenger traffic.
