Vaishnaw flags off new trains, route extensions to boost rail connectivity

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday flagged off new train services and announced route extensions aimed at improving rail connectivity across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand, 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 railway preparations 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, improving connectivity for several districts in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions.

Tanakpur–Nanded Express: A new service aimed at enhancing connectivity for passengers, particularly the Sikh community living in the Terai region of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.

Tanakpur–Pilibhit extension: The existing train service has been extended 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, Vaishnaw said the new services were launched in response to long-standing public demand and would improve regional connectivity.

He also said the Railways would examine demands for additional stoppages at Khatima and Banbasa. "If it becomes possible, we will definitely provide a stoppage for this train at Khatima and Banbasa," he said.

Highlighting the Railways' progress over the past 12 years, the minister said nearly 37,000 km of new railway tracks had been laid and 99.6 per cent of the network had been electrified.

Vaishnaw also announced that the Railways would operate 100 special trains during the Onam festival in Kerala and more than 300 special trains for devotees travelling to Puri for the Rath Yatra.

He added that railway infrastructure in Odisha is set for a major expansion, with projects worth more than Rs 90,000 crore currently under implementation.