New Delhi/Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi on Thursday to discuss the expansion of Uttarakhand’s railway network, new railway projects, and improved passenger facilities. Considering the state’s geographical conditions, growing religious tourism, and preparations for Kumbh 2027, the Chief Minister placed several important proposals before the Railway Minister.
He said Uttarakhand is one of India’s leading states for religious, cultural, and tourism activities, with millions of pilgrims visiting the Char Dham, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Kainchi Dham, Jageshwar Dham, and other religious destinations every year. In view of this, he stressed the need to develop a modern and robust railway network in the state.
Key proposals submitted by the Chief Minister included:
- Introduction of a Vande Bharat or another superfast express train between Mumbai and Dehradun.
- Increasing the frequency of Mumbai–Haridwar and Mumbai–Ramnagar train services.
- Extending the Dehradun–Kota train service up to Surat, Vadodara, and Mumbai.
- Operating Haridwar–Mumbai and Ramnagar–Mumbai train services regularly or at least three times a week.
- Transferring the land of the old Rishikesh Railway Station to the state government to facilitate the Rishikesh Ganga Corridor Project.
- Full Central Government funding for the proposed Kichha–Sitarganj–Khatima railway line.
- Early commencement of rail operations on the Rishikesh–Karnaprayag Railway Project.
- Expediting the pending Raiwala–Dehradun section under the Haridwar–Dehradun railway line doubling project.
- Beautification and expansion of railway stations at Haridwar, Harrawala, Dehradun, Khatima, Laksar, Roorkee, Tanakpur, and Banbasa.
- Reopening Railway Level Crossing No. 18C on the Khatima–Majhola (Pilibhit) route in the larger public interest.
Relief for Banbasa Railway Station
The Chief Minister also requested that the Triveni Express, Mathura Express, and Daurai Express, which originate from Tanakpur, be given brief scheduled halts at Banbasa Railway Station. He pointed out that Banbasa is an important commercial and strategic location on the India–Nepal border and is home to an Indian Army Rajput Regiment unit.
In response, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw gave in-principle approval for these trains to stop at Banbasa station.
The Railway Minister assured the Chief Minister that all the proposals would receive positive consideration. Chief Minister Dhami expressed confidence that implementing these projects would significantly enhance religious tourism, trade, investment, regional connectivity, and rail services across Uttarakhand.
