Aiming to improve rail connectivity in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav on Monday flagged off new train services and announced route expansion, while also inaugurating the extension of an existing service through video conferencing from Bhubaneswar.The minister launched the services from Rail Sadan during his visit to Odisha, where he is reviewing the preparations of the Railways for the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri.New routes and services
Nanded-Mumbai Express : : A new train connecting Nanded and Mumbai via Washim and Hingoli will improve connectivity for several districts in Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.Tanakpur-Nanded Express : : A new service aims to enhance connectivity for passengers, especially the Sikh community living in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.- Tanakpur-Pilibhit Extension: The existing train service has been extended up to Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh.
- Tanakpur-Agra service: The train, which was earlier operated as a special service, has now been made a regular service.
Addressing the event, Vaishnav said the new services were launched in response to long-standing public demand and will improve regional connectivity.He also said that the Railways will consider the demand for additional stoppages at Khatima and Banbasa. He said, “If it is possible, we will definitely give stoppages to this train at Khatima and Banbasa.”Highlighting the progress of the Railways in the last 12 years, the Minister said about 37,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid and 99.6 per cent of the network has been electrified.Vaishnav also announced that the Railways will run 100 special trains during the Onam festival in Kerala and more than 300 special trains for devotees traveling to Puri for the Rath Yatra.He said the railway infrastructure in Odisha is poised for major expansion, with projects worth over Rs 90,000 crore currently under implementation.
