Major Rail Connectivity Enhancements in Northeast & Jammu and Kashmir
A new Vistadome coach was inaugurated for the Budgam-Banihal train route in Jammu and Kashmir
A significant boost to rail connectivity in the northeastern region and Jammu and Kashmir was unveiled as Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics, and Information Technology, along with Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister of Assam, and Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, jointly flagged off several new trains and initiatives.
Key Highlights:
- New Train Services Launched:
- Train No. 15617/15618 Dullabcherra – Guwahati tri-weekly train.
- Train No. 07688/07687 Agartala- Sabroom DEMU train.
- Extension of Train No. 12514/12515 Guwahati-Secunderabad Express up to Silchar.
- Extension of Train No. 12519/12520 Kamakhya-Lokmanya Tilak Express up to Agartala.
- Vistadome Coach in Jammu and Kashmir: A new Vistadome coach was inaugurated for the Budgam-Banihal train route in Jammu and Kashmir, aimed at enhancing tourism in the region.
- Development in North East and Jammu & Kashmir: Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted the remarkable transformation in the North East and Jammu and Kashmir over the past nine years. He noted the increased focus on these regions by the Prime Minister, the abrogation of Article 370, and the rapid development occurring in these areas. Vaishnaw also emphasized the significant budget allocation by Railways for the North East, which has surged from around Rs. 2,122 Crores to approximately Rs. 10,269 Crores. He underscored ongoing Railways projects in the North East and the introduction of two Vande Bharat Trains for the region.
- Tourism Boost in Jammu and Kashmir: Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha welcomed the introduction of a Vistadome coach, stating that it’s a substantial leap in the development of Jammu and Kashmir. Sinha highlighted the boost in tourism in recent times and expressed optimism that the new coach would further promote the region’s development.
- Enhanced Connectivity in Tripura: Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Tripura, expressed gratitude for the augmented rail connectivity in the state. He emphasized that this development would bolster connectivity in remote areas and boost trade and tourism.
- Assam’s Connectivity Developments: Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the Prime Minister’s commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir and North East states. He praised the introduction and extension of various train services, highlighting their significance for the region.
The extension of Train No. 12514/12515 Guwahati- Secunderabad Express up to Silchar will provide direct connectivity between Barak Valley (Silchar) and Secunderabad, benefiting lower Assam and areas bordering Barak Valley. The service will commence from October 21, 2023.
The new Train No. 15617/15618 Dullabcherra-Guwahati tri-weekly Train will offer direct connectivity between the remote area of Dullabcherra and Guwahati, benefiting students, businessmen, and traders.
The extension of Train No. 12519/12520 Kamakhya-Lokmanya Tilak Express up to Agartala will provide direct train service between the capital of Tripura and Mumbai, benefiting the region’s people, traders, and patients traveling to Mumbai for medical purposes. The service will commence from October 22, 2023.
The introduction of Train No. 07688/07687 Agartala-Sabroom DEMU train will enhance connectivity in remote areas and boost tourism in Tripura.
The launch of the Vistadome coach in Train No. 04688/04687 Budgam-Banihal will not only promote tourism in Jammu and Kashmir but also offer passengers a memorable journey experience.
