The Indian Railways is set to roll out a significant update to its schedule for the North Western Railway (NWR) zone, with passengers in Jaipur and surrounding regions needing to take note. A revised train timetable will come into effect from January 1, impacting a total of 12 pairs of trains operating under the NWR. The changes, which include adjusted timings, new stoppages, and service extensions, were finalized during the recent All India Timetable Committee meeting held in Jaipur itself.
What's Changing in the New Timetable?
Passengers can expect shifts in arrival and departure times ranging from 45 minutes to nearly one-and-a-half hours for the affected services. However, officials have confirmed that major premium services connecting key cities will not be altered. Vande Bharat, Double Decker, and Shatabdi Express trains running between Jaipur and Delhi will maintain their current schedules, ensuring minimal disruption for high-frequency commuters on this busy route.
Captain Shashi Kiran, the Chief Public Relations Officer for NWR, explained the rationale behind the overhaul. He stated that ongoing infrastructure projects, including track doubling and electrification works, have enhanced operational speeds and saved travel time on various sections. "As a result, the timetable of several trains was revised to reflect these improvements and optimize network efficiency," he said.
Specific Changes at Jaipur Junction
The revision brings specific alterations for trains originating or passing through Jaipur station. Notable updates include:
- The Sabarmati–Agra Cantt Superfast Express will now arrive at 2:20 AM and depart at 3:00 AM.
- The Hisar–Jaipur Express will depart at 1:25 AM, a 55-minute shift from its previous 12:30 AM departure.
- The Darbhanga–Madar Amrit Bharat Express is scheduled to arrive at 11:00 PM and depart after a brief 10-minute halt.
- The Sabarmati–Gwalior Superfast will now arrive at 2:20 AM and depart at 2:30 AM, instead of its earlier 2:50 AM arrival.
Broader Impact and New Introductions
Beyond timing adjustments, the new timetable encompasses a wider set of modifications aimed at improving connectivity and convenience. These include the introduction of new train services, extensions of existing routes, increased trip frequencies, and changes to train numbers. A significant highlight is the addition of 61 new stoppages for various trains across the NWR network, effective from the New Year's Day implementation.
This comprehensive update underscores Indian Railways' continuous effort to adapt its operations to upgraded infrastructure and evolving passenger demand. Travelers are strongly advised to check the revised timings for their specific routes before planning journeys from January 1, 2025, to avoid any inconvenience.
