New Delhi, Jul 18 (PTI) Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday virtually flagged off the inaugural service of the biweekly Ramnagar-Dehradun Express, the first-ever direct express train connecting Ramnagar with Dehradun, both cities in Uttarakhand.
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami was also present for the occasion via video conference.
“The new train fulfils a long-pending demand of the people of the region and will significantly strengthen rail connectivity between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand,” a press statement from the Railway Ministry said.
Though a date for the commencement of regular service for passengers was not specified, officials said that it is being planned and will be announced soon.
“The Express train will operate every Wednesday and Friday. Train No 15310 will depart Ramnagar at 05:50 hrs and arrive at Dehradun at 12:40 hrs. On the return journey, Train No 15309 will depart Dehradun at 15:55 hrs and reach Ramnagar at 23:30 hrs. The train will halt at Kashipur, Roshanpur, Pipalsana, Moradabad, Najibabad and Haridwar en route,” the ministry said.
The train will comprise AC Second Class, AC Third Class, AC Chair Car, Sleeper Class, Second Sitting and General Second Class coaches, offering travel options for passengers across different categories.
Officials said the train service will benefit residents of Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar and Dehradun districts in Uttarakhand, as well as Moradabad and Bijnor districts in Uttar Pradesh, including students, farmers, traders and people from all walks of life.
They added that the train service will promote tourism and pilgrimage in the region as it improves connectivity to Jim Corbett National Park, the Girija Devi temple situated on a large rock amid the Kosi river near Ramnagar, and the ancient religious sites of Sitamadhi/Sitavani.
Vaishnaw said the Ramnagar-Dehradun Express would strengthen rail connectivity between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions of Uttarakhand.
He also mentioned that Rishikesh railway station will be developed as a feeder station to ease pressure on Haridwar.
For this, a master plan is being prepared to create additional capacity and improve connectivity for passengers travelling to and from Haridwar and Rishikesh, Vaishnaw said. PTI JP MPL MPL
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