Big Boost to Rail Connectivity in North East & Jammu and Kashmir

Newdelhi:19/10/23:Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communications, Electronics and Information Technology, Government of India along with Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu & Kashmir, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister, Assam, Prof. (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister, Tripura flagged off Train No. 15617/15618 Dullabcherra – Guwahati tri-weekly train, Train No. 07688/07687 Agartala- Sabroom DEMU train, extension of train no.  12514/12515 Guwahati-Secunderabad Express up to Silchar (Assam), extension of Train No 12519/12520 Kamakhya-Lokmanya Tilak Express up to Agartala (Tripura) via video conferencing today. New Vistadome coach in Budgam-Banihal train in Jammu and Kashmir was also flagged off. During the flag-off ceremony, several dignitaries were connected through video conferencing.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw said, “In the last nine years, North East states and Jammu Kashmir have changed a lot and the change is discernible on the ground. Prime Minister has visited North East region more than 60 times which is higher than the visits of Prime Ministers of India before him. After the abrogation of Article 370, development of Jammu and Kashmir is pacing fast. Recently, meetings of G20 were held in the state of Jammu and Kashmir.

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Manoj Sinha, Lieutenant Governor, Jammu and Kashmir said, “Vistadome coach between Banihal and Budgam is a big leap by Railways in the development of the Union territory. The state-of-the-art Vistadome will attract tourists in large numbers.” He said that there has been substantial boost in tourism in recent times and the new coach will further give impetus to the development of the area.

Prof. (Dr) Manik Saha, Chief Minister, Tripura said, “We are thankful to the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister for augmenting the rail connectivity in the state. It will boost the connectivity in remote areas and give impetus to trade and tourism in the state.”

Speaking on the occasion, Shri Himanta Biswa Sarma, Chief Minister, Assam said, “Prime Minister has laid emphasis on the development of Jammu and Kashmir and North East states since he assumed office. It is an important day as Assam is getting an extension of one train to Barak Valley, one train is being extended to Agartala, one train is being introduced to the remote area of Dullabcherra. I thank Prime Minister and Railway Minister for this initiative.”

Extension of Train No. 12514/12515 Guwahati- Secunderabad Express (weekly) up to Silchar (Assam) will provide direct connectivity between Barak Valley (Silchar) and Secunderabad. It will benefit people of lower Assam and areas bordering Barak Valley. The regular service of the train will commence from 21.10.2023 (Saturday) ex- Secunderabad.

The introduction of Train No. 15617/15618 Dullabcherra-Guwahati Tri-weekly Train (ex-Guwahati – Mon, Wed, Sat & ex- Dullabcherra- Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday) will provide direct connectivity between remote areas of Dullabcherra and Guwahati benefiting students, businessmen and traders of Dullabcherra.

Extension of Train No. 12519/12520 Kamakhya- Lokmanya Tilak Express (weekly) up to Agartala (Tripura) will be the direct train service between capital of Tripura and Mumbai. It will benefit people in the region, traders, and patients in Tripura who travel to Mumbai for treatment purpose. The regular service of the train up to Agartala will commence from 22.10.2023 (Sunday) ex- Lokmanya Tilak Terminus.

The introduction of Train No. 07688/07687 Agartala- Sabroom DEMU train will benefit people from the remote areas of the state and will enhance connectivity with the state capital, Agartala. It will also boost tourism in the state.

The launch of Vistadome coach in Train No 04688/04687 Budgam- Banihal train will boost tourism in the state and provide memorable journey experiences to the passengers.