In a significant move to bolster rail infrastructure in the hill state, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw officially flagged off the Ramnagar-Dehradun Express on Friday, July 18, 2026. This service marks the first-ever direct express train connecting the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, a development long awaited by local residents. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami joined the inauguration via video conferencing, welcoming the initiative as a major step toward regional integration.
- Bi-weekly service: The train will operate every Wednesday and Friday.
- Train Schedule: Train No. 15310 departs Ramnagar at 5:50 AM and arrives in Dehradun at 12:40 PM. The return service, Train No. 15309, leaves Dehradun at 3:55 PM and reaches Ramnagar at 11:30 PM.
- Passenger Amenities: The train features a range of classes including AC Second, AC Third, AC Chair Car, Sleeper, Second Sitting, and General Second-Class coaches.
- Strategic Halts: The express train will stop at Kashipur, Roshanpur, Pipalsana, Moradabad, Najibabad, and Haridwar.
Boosting Connectivity and Tourism
The new rail link is set to provide a reliable and cost-effective alternative to road travel for residents of Nainital, Udham Singh Nagar, Haridwar, Dehradun, Moradabad, and Bijnor. By facilitating seamless travel for administrative, educational, and business purposes, the service is expected to significantly ease daily commutes. Furthermore, the route provides tourists with improved access to major landmarks like the Jim Corbett National Park, Girija Devi Temple, and the holy city of Haridwar, which serves as a gateway to the Char Dham Yatra.
Future Railway Expansion in Uttarakhand
Minister Vaishnaw indicated that the frequency of the train could be increased to a daily service if passenger demand warrants it. During the event, officials also shed light on the broader developmental roadmap for the state. Currently, 11 railway stations across Uttarakhand, including major hubs like Dehradun, Haridwar Junction, and Ramnagar, are undergoing comprehensive redevelopment.
To further support the region’s infrastructure, the state has received a record railway budget allocation of ₹4,769 crore for 2026-27. With projects worth approximately ₹39,000 crore currently in progress, the state is witnessing a transformation in its rail network. Notably, the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line continues to progress rapidly, solidifying its status as a critical lifeline for the future of Uttarakhand’s socio-economic growth.