Rajkot Chamber Advocates for Enhanced Railway Connectivity in Saurashtra
In a significant move to improve rail infrastructure, the Rajkot Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) has submitted a comprehensive list of demands to Western Railway authorities. The proposals were presented by Parth Ganatra, vice-president of RCCI and a member of the Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee (ZRUCC), during a meeting held in Mumbai on Tuesday.
Restoring the Saurashtra Mail Schedule
One of the primary requests involves the Saurashtra Mail, with the chamber urging Western Railway General Manager Pradeep Kumar to revert to its original departure time of 6:30 PM from Rajkot. According to RCCI, this earlier schedule had functioned efficiently without disruptions from maintenance blocks. The issue has been previously raised with the Rajkot division, highlighting ongoing concerns over service reliability.
Proposed Train Extensions from Ahmedabad to Rajkot
Ganatra emphasized the need to implement previously announced extensions of six key trains from Ahmedabad to Rajkot, a proposal initially made by former Railway Minister Darshana Jardosh. The trains in question include:
- Ahmedabad-Patna Express
- Ahmedabad-Prayagraj Express
- Ahmedabad-Kolkata Express
- Ahmedabad-Kolhapur Express
- Ahmedabad-Nagpur Express
- Ahmedabad-Hazrat Nizamuddin Gujarat Sampark Kranti Express
Additionally, he called for expediting the extension of the Ahmedabad-Pune Duronto Express to Rajkot, aiming to enhance connectivity to major cities across India.
Boosting Frequency and Introducing New Services
To address growing passenger and religious travel demands, the chamber proposed increasing the frequency of the Uttaranchal Express (Rajkot–Haridwar) from once a week to three times a week. This adjustment is seen as crucial for facilitating pilgrim traffic and general travel needs.
Further enhancements include extending the Haridwar Mail to Rajkot and introducing a Vande Bharat sleeper service on the Rajkot–Mumbai route. These initiatives are expected to provide faster and more comfortable travel options, boosting regional economic activity.
Additional Halts and Connectivity Improvements
In a bid to improve convenience for commuters, Ganatra also requested a halt at Borivali for the Mumbai Central-Hapa Duronto Express. This stop would benefit passengers traveling between Mumbai and Saurashtra, reducing transit times and enhancing accessibility.
The demands underscore RCCI's commitment to advocating for better railway services, which are vital for the development of Rajkot and the broader Saurashtra region. By addressing scheduling issues, expanding train networks, and introducing new services, these proposals aim to transform rail travel into a more efficient and passenger-friendly experience.
