- Chandigarh inaugurates its second Vande Bharat train, boosting links to New Delhi and Rajasthan.
- Prime Minister Modi virtually flags off the train, extending its route to Chandigarh from Ajmer.
- The expanded service aims to facilitate travel for commuters and promote tourism and business in the region.
Chandigarh welcomes its second Vande Bharat train and is set to commence operations once a week starting March 14th.
The inauguration, held virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marks a significant enhancement in the city’s connectivity with the national capital, New Delhi, and Rajasthan.
This additional Vande Bharat service, originating from Ajmer and formerly running to Delhi Cantt, now extends its route to Chandigarh. Departing from Ajmer at 6:20 am every Thursday, the train will make stops at Delhi Cantt and finally reach Chandigarh at 2:45 pm.
The return journey from Chandigarh commences at 3:15 pm on the same day, arriving at Delhi Cantt at 6:23 pm.
The expanded route includes stops at Jaipur, Gurugram, and Delhi Cantt, facilitating travel for commuters between Punjab, Ajmer, Jaipur, and Delhi, with anticipated benefits for tourism and business.
Notably, Chandigarh already operates another Vande Bharat train six days a week, except Fridays.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated a total of 10 new Vande Bharat trains and announced the extension of four existing routes, along with various other railway projects amounting to over ₹85,000 crore.
The Ambala Division received significant developments, including a Gati Shakti cargo terminal, eight goods sheds, and the doubling of the Rajpura-Bathinda rail section, among others.
UT administrator Banwarilal Purohit and Ambala divisional railway manager Mandeep Singh Bhatia were among the dignitaries present at the inauguration ceremony held in Ludhiana.