Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami virtually flagged off the Lalkuan-Bandra Superfast train from his official residence in Dehradun on Monday.
Dhami said, “With the blessings of Neem Karoli Baba. Today we have fulfilled the dream of train movement from Lalkuan to Bandra. And the long-pending demand of the people. On this occasion, I congratulate all of you.”
He further added that the new train service would immensely facilitate travel from Mumbai to Kumaon. Covering cities such as Haldwani, Almora, and Pithoragarh. “I extend heartfelt gratitude to PM Modi and the Railway Minister for this,” Dhami said.
The CM further added that the latest rail service will also benefit the devotees visiting these religious tourist places: Baba Kainchi Dham and Jageshwar. He complimented the progress of Indian Railways. “Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, we are marching toward the golden age of Indian Railways. The Made-in-India trains, such as Vande Bharat, represent self-dependency and modernity.“
He also said that the dream of reaching the mountains by train is coming true with the support of the Central Government. The rail line from Rishikesh to Karnprayag is under construction. While the survey for the Tanakpur-Bageshwar rail line is complete, and work on it will start soon.
He announced that in due course, the rail services originating from Uttarakhand would be extended to major cities like Kashi and Ayodhya. “Our double-engine government is working on several schemes to link the remotest parts of the state with the mainstream of development,” he said.
MP Ajay Bhatt also highlighted that the people had been raising one of their biggest demands for direct rail service. Between Lalkuan and Mumbai, and now it has come true. He said, “Now three trains are running from Ramnagar, Haldwani, and Lalkuan to Mumbai. Every week, benefiting tourists and local visitors, too.”
The new train, number 22544, will start leaving from Lalkuan at 07:45 am every Monday morning. And will reach Bandra Terminus the next day at 08:30 am. It departs from Bandra at 11:00 am and reaches Lalkuan on Wednesday at 13:15 pm.
For the convenience of passengers, the train has also been fully equipped with a combination of AC, sleeper, and general class coaches. The design of all coaches follows LHB standards, ensuring safety and comfort.
ANI