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Indian Railways News: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday flagged off a series of new train services and announced the extension of existing routes to strengthen rail connectivity across Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.
The services were inaugurated through video conferencing from Bhubaneswar during the minister’s visit to Odisha, where he is reviewing railway preparations for the upcoming Rath Yatra in Puri.
New Trains And Route Extensions
According to a report in The Times of India, among the major announcements was a new Nanded-Mumbai Express, which will run via Washim and Hingoli, improving rail connectivity for passengers across several districts in the Vidarbha and Marathwada regions of Maharashtra.
The Railways also introduced the Tanakpur-Nanded Express,
a service expected to benefit passengers travelling between the two regions, particularly members of the Sikh community residing in the Terai belt of Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
In addition, the existing Tanakpur-Pilibhit train has been extended to Shahjahanpur in Uttar Pradesh, while the Tanakpur-Agra service, which was previously operated as a special train, has now been converted into a regular service.
Responding To Public Demand
Addressing the event, Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the new services had been introduced in response to long-standing public demand and would significantly improve regional rail connectivity.
He also assured that the Railways would examine requests for additional stoppages at Khatima and Banbasa. “If it becomes possible, we will definitely provide a stoppage for this train at Khatima and Banbasa,” the minister said.
Railway Expansion Continues
Highlighting the Railways’ achievements over the past 12 years, Vaishnaw said nearly 37,000 km of new railway tracks have been laid across the country, while 99.6% of the railway network has been electrified.
He also announced that Indian Railways will operate 100 special trains during the Onam festival in Kerala and more than 300 special trains for devotees travelling to Puri for the Rath Yatra.
Major Investment In Odisha
The minister added that railway infrastructure in Odisha is set for significant expansion, with projects worth more than Rs 90,000 crore currently under implementation, aimed at strengthening connectivity and modernising the state’s rail network.
