New Ramnagar–Dehradun train launched to boost Kumaon-Garhwal connectivity

PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Ramnagar

Uttarakhand marks a milestone on Saturday as the Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off the new Ramnagar–Dehradun train service. The locals  looked happy and said that the new service was a major step towards improving connectivity between Kumaon and Garhwal.

While addressing the event virtually, Vaishnaw said that the railway stations at Rishikesh, Dehradun, Kathgodam, Lalkuan, Ramnagar and Haridwar are being upgraded into modern, high-tech facilities. Referring to speed restrictions on railway tracks passing through forest areas in Uttarakhand, he urged the chief minister to work with forest authorities to find a practical solution. He also stressed the need to ensure affordable and convenient rail travel for economically weaker and middle-class passengers, particularly those travelling to Haridwar.

The train will operate twice a week, every Wednesday and Friday. Later, it will be made a regular service, the Railway officials said, adding that this train will reach Dehradun in four hours while it will have six stops.

The new express train will depart from Ramnagar on Wednesdays and Fridays at 5:50 AM and arrive in Dehradun at 12:40 PM. On its return journey, the train will depart Dehradun at 3:55 PM the same day and arrive in Ramnagar at 11:30 PM. On both sides, the train will stop at Kashipur, Roshanpur, Pipalsana, Moradabad, Najibabad and Haridwar stations.

Speaking virtually, the chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said that nearly 20 new trains have been introduced in Uttarakhand since 2023. He highlighted the rapid modernisation of Indian Railways, citing the elimination of unmanned level crossings, adoption of advanced technologies, improved passenger amenities and the success of the Vande Bharat trains as symbols of India’s technological progress.

The Pauri Garhwal MP Anil Baluni also spoke on the occasion, saying that the new train service would establish direct rail connectivity between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.