Starting this Saturday, a new express train service from Kotdwar to Delhi’s Anand Vihar Terminal has been launched.
The virtual inauguration program was attended by Rajya Sabha Member Anil Baluni and Northern Railways General Manager Shobhan Chaudhary.
Inaugural Ceremony and First Journey
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, along with Haridwar MP Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank and Vidhan Sabha Speaker Ritu Khanduri,
flagged off the train in Dehradun. Also, Gadwal MP Teerath Singh Rawat showed the green flag in Kotdwar. On the first day, 150 passengers boarded the train.
New Train Name and Route Plans
Anil Baluni, the Rajya Sabha Member, expressed gratitude for the new train service, emphasizing the demand from the people of Gadwal.
He, along with Gadwal MP and the Speaker, had collectively pushed for this initiative. He thanked the Union Railway Minister, stating that similar efforts are underway to operate the Vande Bharat train from Kotdwar to Dehradun.
CM’s Vision and Passenger Convenience
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami highlighted the convenience of the new train service, ensuring smooth travel to Delhi. He mentioned that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, Indian Railways have become safer.
He also shared plans for the soon-to-be-launched Rishikesh-Karnaprayag rail line. He suggested naming the new train after Veer Chandra Singh Garhwali and extending its route up to Jaipur.
Opposition MP’s Concerns
During the inauguration, MP Teerath Singh Rawat expressed dissatisfaction about the inauguration during the mourning period (sootak). He noted that railway officials should have considered this aspect.
He had previously raised this issue in Parliament, receiving formal approval from the Union Railway Minister. Following relentless efforts by MP Baluni, the train service could finally commence.
