Haridwar to Western India: 3 New AC Trains Announced!
The Ministry of Railways has officially approved three new train services aimed at significantly enhancing connectivity between Haridwar in Uttarakhand and the western regions of India. This major development was confirmed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in a formal communication to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
Chief Minister Dhami welcomed the move, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Minister Vaishnaw. He noted that these new rail links are expected to provide a massive boost to religious tourism, the general tourism sector, and the overall economic landscape of the state.
Garib Rath Extension for Affordable Travel
One of the key highlights is the extension of the Bandra Terminus-Delhi Sarai Rohilla Garib Rath Express (Train No. 12216/12215). By extending this service to Haridwar, the Railways will offer a direct and highly affordable AC travel option for passengers commuting between Maharashtra and Uttarakhand.
New Links to Somnath and Dwarka
To cater to the massive influx of pilgrims visiting sacred sites in Gujarat, two new AC Express services have been sanctioned:
Haridwar-Veraval AC Express (Train No. 14326/14325)
This service will provide a direct connection to the pilgrimage site of Veraval, located near the famous Somnath Jyotirlinga. The schedule is as follows:
- Departure from Haridwar: 4:00 AM on Wednesdays and Sundays.
- Arrival in Veraval: 8:15 AM the following day.
- Return Departure from Veraval: 11:05 AM on Thursdays and Mondays.
- Arrival in Haridwar: 6:00 PM the following day.
Haridwar-Okha AC Express (Train No. 14328/14327)
Another vital link will be established between Haridwar and the Dwarka region in Gujarat via the Haridwar-Okha AC Express. The operational details include:
- Departure from Haridwar: 4:00 AM every Friday.
- Arrival in Okha: 8:15 AM the following day.
- Return Departure from Okha: Saturdays.
These new initiatives are designed to serve a wide range of passengers, including pilgrims, tourists, traders, and students traveling between Uttarakhand and Western India. While the routes and timings have been finalized, the official