Nainital-Udham Singh Nagar MP Ajay Bhatt has intensified his efforts to secure a **daily morning Vande Bharat Express service** connecting Kathgodam to Delhi. During a meeting with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the Parliament House on **July 29, 2026**, the MP submitted a formal request highlighting the pressing need for improved connectivity in the Kumaon region. Key highlights of the proposal include:
- A demand for a new daily morning Vande Bharat train to boost regional connectivity.
- The service aims to facilitate same-day return travel between Kathgodam and the national capital.
- Focus on enhancing tourism, local trade, and economic growth in the Kumaon belt.
- Addressing the limitations of current train timings and travel speeds.
Improving Connectivity for Kumaon
MP Ajay Bhatt emphasized that the current rail services between Kathgodam and Delhi are insufficient to meet the growing demands of passengers. By introducing a Vande Bharat Express, travelers would benefit from significantly reduced travel time, allowing professionals and tourists to reach Delhi in the morning and return to the hills by evening. Bhatt pointed out that he has **previously sent two letters and made personal requests** to the Railway Minister regarding this initiative, expressing his concern over the lack of progress on the project so far.
Current Rail Infrastructure
The Delhi-Kathgodam route is presently serviced by **three pairs of mail/express trains**, including the popular Kathgodam-New Delhi Shatabdi Express. While the demand for a Vande Bharat service is gaining momentum, Indian Railways maintains that the introduction of new trains is a systematic process. Decisions regarding new services are typically based on **traffic justification, operational feasibility, and the availability of resources** within the railway network. As the demand for premium travel continues to rise, the proposal for a Kathgodam-Delhi Vande Bharat remains a key topic for the region’s infrastructure development.