A strong public and political demand has emerged for the extension of a key Marathwada region train service, aiming to provide direct connectivity to the holy city of Nashik. The focus is on the popular Dharmabad-Manmad Marathwada Express, with calls to prolong its route to Nashik, especially to serve the massive influx of pilgrims expected for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
Political Push for Passenger Convenience
Leading the charge, Gangapur's BJP MLA, Prashant Bamb, has formally written to the Railway Ministry advocating for the extension. In his letter, he emphasized that extending the train's terminus to Nashik would align perfectly with the preparations for the Kumbh Mela, offering a direct, safe, and economical rail service for thousands of pilgrims.
Bamb highlighted that the move would not only benefit religious travelers but also a wide cross-section of passengers. "The extension would offer direct, safe, and economical rail service to pilgrims and other passengers," he stated. He further pointed out that it would avoid unnecessary congestion at the busy Manmad Junction and cater to those traveling for education, medical needs, business, tourism, and judicial work.
A Long-Pending Public Demand
This proposal is not a new one. Railway activist Gautam Nahata confirmed that the extension of the Marathwada Express has been a long-pending demand of the people in the region. He explained a logistical hurdle: the train's route falls under the jurisdictions of two different railway zones—South Central Railway (SCR) and Central Railway (CR).
"We made umpteen representations before authorities from both zones to extend the train," Nahata said. He sees the forthcoming Kumbh Mela as the perfect catalyst to finally get the project approved. "The upcoming Kumbh Mela at Nashik is an ideal opportunity to announce the extension of the train," he added, underscoring the timeliness of the request.
Current Service and Proposed Benefits
The Marathwada Express is a vital daily link, departing from Dharmabad at 4:00 AM and arriving at Manmad by 1:25 PM, connecting numerous stations across the region. Its popularity makes the case for its extension stronger.
The proposed extension promises multiple advantages:
- Direct Pilgrim Access: Seamless travel for Kumbh Mela devotees from the Marathwada region to Nashik.
- Decongestion: Reducing passenger load and streamlining operations at Manmad Junction.
- Broader Utility: Serving diverse travel purposes including education, healthcare, and commerce with a single direct train.
As the railway authorities consider this proposal, the appeal from Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar and the wider Marathwada community hinges on leveraging the Kumbh Mela as a pivotal moment to enhance regional rail infrastructure for long-term public benefit.
