Dehradun/Ramnagar: Uttarakhand has received a major boost in railway connectivity with the launch of the Ram Nagar-Dehradun Express. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw jointly flagged off the new train service virtually on Saturday.
The Chief Minister described the new rail service as an important milestone in Uttarakhand’s development journey, saying it will serve as a new lifeline of connectivity, growth, and opportunities between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions.
The train will operate twice a week and provide direct rail connectivity between Ramnagar and Dehradun.
Ram Nagar-Dehradun Express to Strengthen Kumaon-Garhwal Connectivity
CM Pushkar Singh Dhami said the new train service is not just a transportation facility but a major step towards strengthening regional connectivity.
The train will run through important stations including:
- Kashipur
- Roshanpur
- Pipalsana
- Moradabad
- Najibabad
- Haridwar
The service will benefit:
- Passengers
- Students
- Business communities
- Employees
- Tourists
by providing safer, more convenient, and time-efficient travel options between different regions.
CM Dhami Highlights Railway Expansion Under PM Modi’s Leadership
Chief Minister Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the new railway service.
He said railway infrastructure in Uttarakhand is witnessing rapid expansion under the vision of the central government.
CM Dhami highlighted several ongoing railway initiatives, including:
- Rishikesh-Karnaprayag Rail Project
- Railway electrification works
- Modernisation of railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme
- Expansion of modern and safe rail networks
He said these projects will strengthen Uttarakhand’s connection with major economic, tourism, and religious destinations across the country.
Railway Development to Boost Tourism and Local Economy
The Chief Minister said the Ramnagar-Dehradun Express will play a key role in promoting tourism, trade, and local economic growth.
Ramnagar, known as the gateway to Jim Corbett National Park, is a major tourism destination. Improved connectivity with Dehradun is expected to encourage tourist movement and create new opportunities for local businesses.
The train will also improve access for people travelling for education, employment, and administrative purposes.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Announces Possibility of Daily Operation
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Indian Railways is working continuously to improve connectivity and passenger services across Uttarakhand.
He stated that if passenger demand increases, the Ram Nagar-Dehradun Express may be operated daily in the future.
He added that the train will act as a bridge between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions and provide significant benefits to the people of the state.
20 New and Expanded Railway Services Started in Uttarakhand
The Railway Ministry has introduced or expanded several train services connecting Uttarakhand with different parts of the country since 2023.
Major services include:
- Dehradun-Anand Vihar Terminal Vande Bharat Express
- Dehradun-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express
- Yog Nagari Rishikesh-Prayagraj Express
- Yog Nagari Rishikesh-Yeshwantpur Express
- Dehradun-Banaras Express
- Haridwar-Gorakhpur Express
- Haridwar-Amritsar Express
- Kathgodam-Jaisalmer Express
- Lal Kuan-Kolkata Express
- Tanakpur-Nanded Weekly Express
- Ramnagar-Dehradun Express
These services aim to improve connectivity between Uttarakhand and various regions of India.
Uttarakhand Railway Infrastructure Receives Major Investment
CM Dhami said Uttarakhand received a record railway budget allocation of ₹4,769 crore for 2026-27.
Currently, railway projects worth around ₹39,000 crore are under progress in the state.
He added that the expansion of railway infrastructure will support economic growth, tourism development, and better public services.
Demand Raised for Ramnagar-Delhi Superfast Train
During the launch event at Ramnagar railway station, Garhwal MP Anil Baluni termed the new train service a historic achievement.
He said the train is not only a transportation facility but also a major step towards boosting development, tourism, and employment opportunities in Kumaon.
He also expressed hope that efforts would continue to operate the train for more days in a week and introduce a superfast train service between Ramnagar and Delhi in the future.
Officials Attend Virtual Launch Ceremony
The virtual launch ceremony was attended by several dignitaries, including:
- Haridwar MP Trivendra Singh Rawat
- Garhwal MP Anil Baluni
- MLA Diwan Singh Bisht
- MLA Arvind Pandey
- Railway officials and other public representatives
The launch of the Ramnagar-Dehradun Express marks a significant step towards building a stronger and more connected railway network in Uttarakhand.
Read also: CM Pushkar Singh Dhami Flags Off Dehradun-Somnath Special Train for ‘Somnath Swabhiman Parv’
