PM Modi flags off new MEMU train connecting Tanda Road and Vadodara

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a new passenger train service between Tanda Road and Vadodara Pratapnagar on Tuesday September 8 2026. This launch was part of development projects valued at over 35000 crore rupees during his visit to Vadodara Gujarat. The new service is a 12-coach Mainline Electric Multiple Unit MEMU train operating daily between Pratapnagar station in Vadodara and Tanda Road station in Dhar. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that these infrastructure projects are designed to strengthen the railway network in Gujarat and enhance passenger and freight connectivity. Mukesh Kumar Public Relations Officer of Western Railway Ratlam Division noted that this MEMU service marks a historic milestone as it is the first time a passenger train will reach the Dhar district connecting the region to the national rail network eight decades after independence. The new rail line falls under the Chhota Udepur-Dhar project integrating remote and tribal areas of Alirajpur and Dhar districts into national rail infrastructure and boosting connectivity between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. The inauguration occurred under the NaMo for Viksit Bharat program with public registrations selling out within an hour. Western Railway will oversee daily operations of the new MEMU service.

Key Highlights of the New MEMU Service

• Train Type: 12-coach Mainline Electric Multiple Unit MEMU train
• Route: Daily operation between Pratapnagar in Vadodara and Tanda Road in Dhar
• Launch Date: Tuesday September 8 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi
• Historical Significance: First time a passenger train reaches Dhar district connecting it to the national rail network 80 years after independence
• Broader Scope: Part of Chhota Udepur-Dhar project and development projects exceeding 35000 crore rupees
• Operations: Managed and overseen daily by Western Railway

Connecting Remote Tribal Regions

The launch of this MEMU service is a major step toward bringing remote and tribal areas into the mainstream railway network. Falling under the Chhota Udepur-Dhar project this initiative effectively bridges the connectivity gap between Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat. Local residents in Alirajpur and Dhar districts can now access seamless rail travel for daily commuting trade and personal transit.

Boosting Infrastructure and Regional Growth

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the multi-crore infrastructure projects aim to modernize the railway grid across the region. With Western Railway taking charge of the daily schedule passengers can look forward to reliable and affordable transportation. This development underscores the government commitment to expanding rail access to underserved regions under the NaMo for Viksit Bharat program.