On Sunday, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw launched three new train services from Bhavnagar, Gujarat. This event took place in the Saurashtra region of the state. Joining him were Union Ministers Mansukh Mandaviya and Nimuben Bambhaniya. The newly launched trains are the Bhavnagar–Ayodhya Express, Rewa–Pune Express, and Jabalpur–Raipur Express. Chief Ministers from Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh attended the event virtually.
The Bhavnagar–Ayodhya Express is particularly significant. It aims to connect the rich cultural and devotional heritage of Ayodhya with the people of Bhavnagar. This service is expected to boost both trade and tourism in the area. The Rewa–Pune Express will link the major industrial hub of Pune with Rewa, and the Jabalpur–Raipur Express will improve connectivity in the tribal region.
Vaishnaw expressed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has a strong emotional connection with the Railways. He shared that the Railways has undergone significant changes over the last 11 years, with 34,000 km of new railway tracks built. This averages out to about 12 km of track being constructed every day. Additionally, renovation work is underway at 1,300 railway stations across the country.
The minister highlighted several new railway projects in Gujarat. These include a new train service between Porbandar and Rajkot, a coach maintenance facility at Ranavav, and a new railway line between Saradiya and Vasjaliya. There will also be a flyover in Porbandar and two Gatishakti cargo terminals. A new port in Bhavnagar is also in the pipeline.
One of the most awaited projects is the Mumbai-Ahmedabad bullet train. Vaishnaw assured that this service will start shortly. Once completed, the journey time between Mumbai and Ahmedabad will be reduced to just two hours and seven minutes.
The launch of the new train services has been welcomed by local leaders and citizens. They believe it will not only enhance connectivity but also provide more opportunities for tourism and business in the region. Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya also spoke at the event, emphasizing the rapid progress and modernization of the Indian Railways. He noted that this development is crucial for a new and developed India.
Nimuben Bambhaniya thanked the Railway Minister for the new services, stating that they would serve as a bridge between the energy of Bhavnagar and the devotion of Ayodhya. The event was attended by various local leaders, including MLAs and community members, showing strong support from the public.
Overall, the launch of these train services marks a significant step in enhancing transportation and connectivity in Gujarat, promising to bring economic growth and cultural exchange to the region.