6 days ago
Jabalpur-Raipur and Rewa-Pune express trains flagged off
In a major boost to inter-state travel, Jabalpur-Raipur and Rewa-Pune Express trains were flagged off on Sunday.
The new services are set to improve connectivity across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav flagged off the new services via video conferencing from Bhavnagar and Ujjain, respectively. The launch also marked the commencement of a new Bhavnagar-Ayodhya Express train service.
An official release stated that the new services would enhance connectivity across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, and Gujarat. The new trains connecting Jabalpur with Raipur, Rewa with Pune (Hadapsar), and Bhavnagar with Ayodhya mark a significant expansion of the national railway network, it said.
Addressing the event, Vaishnaw said Prime Minister Modi shares an emotional bond with the Indian Railways, which is the mainstay of travel for the poor and middle classes.
Live Events
"The Central government had undertaken a mission to modernise the railway network in the last 10 to 11 years. Introduction of new trains, modern coach manufacturing, and station redevelopment are historic undertakings," he added.
He said the new Rewa-Pune link would improve connectivity while the Jabalpur-Raipur train would benefit tribal regions.
"Today, Madhya Pradesh is getting direct rail links with Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra," Yadav said.
He said the launch of Jabalpur-Raipur and Rewa-Pune Express trains would boost passenger movement, trade, and tourism.
"Tourists will find it easier to visit the tiger safari in Rewa and seek blessings at the Sharda Devi temple in Maihar (in the Vindhya area)," he added.
Yadav said the new train service would increase footfall in Jabalpur, which houses Bhedaghat, the world's famous rock formation site, and deepen inter-state ties with Chhattisgarh.
He stated that Indian Railways had achieved full electrification over the past 11 years.
"Under PM Modi's leadership, a budgetary allocation of Rs 2.65 lakh crore had been made for 2025-26 and the railway sector was achieving new milestones under Railway Minister Vaishnaw," he said.
Referring to the Bhavnagar-Ayodhya Express, Yadav said it symbolically connects devotees with Lord Ram and Lord Krishna, "through whom India has been known across the world".
