Kanpur MLA Pushes for Direct Rail Link to Dehradun to Slash Travel Hours
In a significant development aimed at enhancing regional connectivity, Govind Nagar MLA Surendra Maithani met with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav in Delhi on Tuesday. The meeting focused on a critical demand: the operation of a direct train service from Kanpur to Dehradun via Farrukhabad, which promises to dramatically reduce travel time for thousands of passengers.
MLA's Memorandum Highlights Pilgrimage and Commuter Needs
Maithani visited Vaishnav's office at the Lok Sabha complex in New Delhi, where he submitted a formal memorandum outlining the necessity of this direct rail link. He emphasized that this route is vital for residents of Kanpur and its surrounding districts, who frequently travel to Dehradun and the nearby religious city of Haridwar.
The MLA pointed out that these journeys are often undertaken for various rituals, including the immersion of ashes, as well as for the Char Dham pilgrimage, which many devotees commence from Dehradun and Haridwar. Currently, the lack of efficient transport options poses a significant hurdle for these travelers.
Current Travel Woes and Proposed Solution
According to Maithani, the existing rail service on this route is severely limited. "Only one Link Express operates via Aligarh and Moradabad, forcing passengers to endure a grueling journey of about 14 to 15 hours with no viable alternatives," he stated during the meeting. This extended travel time not only causes inconvenience but also discourages frequent travel for both religious and personal purposes.
Maithani highlighted that the railway infrastructure already includes a much shorter rail line via Farrukhabad, which is currently underutilized. By activating this route for direct train services, travel time could be slashed from 15 hours to just 9 hours, offering a more efficient and comfortable option for commuters.
Impact on Regional Connectivity and Economy
The proposed direct train service is expected to benefit lakhs of people from Kanpur city and adjacent districts who regularly commute to these destinations. Improved rail connectivity could:
- Boost tourism and pilgrimage activities in Dehradun and Haridwar.
- Enhance economic ties between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
- Provide a reliable and faster alternative to road travel, reducing congestion and travel fatigue.
This initiative aligns with broader efforts to modernize India's railway network and improve passenger amenities. The railway minister's response to the memorandum is awaited, as stakeholders hope for a positive outcome that addresses the long-standing travel challenges in the region.
