The new railway line connecting Deoband in Uttar Pradesh and Roorkee in Uttarakhand has been operational for special trains for a year, but regular passenger services are still missing. Local residents are now urging the railway department to start regular trains that stop at all stations. Currently, only special trains run on this route and they do not halt at intermediate points.
What is the current status of Deoband-Roorkee rail line?
The project, costing between 791 to 1000 crore rupees, received safety clearance from CRS Dinesh Chand Deshwal on April 19, 2025, after a successful 130 km/h speed trial. While freight trains started running in August 2025 and the Nanda Devi Express began using the route on December 11, 2025, regular passenger trains have not started. The Nanda Devi Express does not have a scheduled stop at Deoband.
Key details of the new railway project
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Distance | 27-29.55 Kilometers |
| New Stations | Banhera Khas (UP) and Jhabrera (Uttarakhand) |
| Cost Sharing | Uttarakhand Government contributed 50% |
| Distance Reduction | 33-40 Kilometers shorter route |
| Impact | Faster travel between Delhi, Haridwar, and Dehradun |
What do the officials and locals say?
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated in April 2025 that this line would boost tourism, trade, and employment in the region. However, as of May 28, 2026, local people are complaining that they cannot use the line for daily travel because trains do not stop at the intermediate stations. Railway officials previously mentioned that the final schedule depends on the Railway Ministry’s permission.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Does the Nanda Devi Express stop at Deoband?
No, although the Nanda Devi Express (12401/12402) uses the Deoband-Roorkee line, it does not have a scheduled stop at Deoband station.
Which new stations were built on this route?
Two new stations have been constructed on this line: Banhera Khas in Uttar Pradesh and Jhabrera in Uttarakhand.