Uttarakhand is set to gain new rail connections after the Railway Ministry approved 2 AC Express services from Haridwar and an extension of an existing Garib Rath route to the city. The decision is expected to improve access to the state for religious, tourism and economic travel.

The approved services are the Haridwar–Veraval AC Express and the Haridwar–Okha AC Express. The ministry has also cleared the extension of the Bandra Terminus–Delhi Sarai Rohilla Garib Rath Express to Haridwar.

Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw conveyed the decision to Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a letter. The source information does not specify the date on which the extended or newly approved services will begin.

Why the decision matters for Uttarakhand

Haridwar is a major access point for religious travel and tourism in Uttarakhand. The additional services will create direct rail links between the city and Veraval and Okha, while the Garib Rath extension will connect Haridwar with the existing Bandra Terminus–Delhi Sarai Rohilla service.

Chief Minister Dhami said stronger rail connectivity is important for Uttarakhand’s religious, tourism and economic activities. He added that rail services in the state are continuing to expand with support from the central government.

The improved network is expected to help several categories of passengers. These include pilgrims visiting religious destinations, tourists travelling to Uttarakhand, traders, students and ordinary passengers who rely on rail transport.

Chief minister thanks Centre

Dhami expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the decision. His response linked the approved services to the wider need for better transport access across Uttarakhand.

The announcement covers 3 service-related measures: the extension of the Garib Rath service to Haridwar, and approval for the Haridwar–Veraval and Haridwar–Okha AC Express services. Further operating details have not been provided in the available information.

What passengers can expect

Once operational details are announced, passengers will be able to assess schedules and other travel arrangements for the 3 services. For now, the confirmed development is the Railway Ministry’s approval of the routes and the Haridwar extension.

The move strengthens Haridwar’s role as a rail gateway for Uttarakhand. It also responds to the travel needs of visitors and residents whose journeys involve religious, tourism, commercial, educational and everyday purposes.

Conclusion

The Railway Ministry has approved 2 Haridwar-based AC Express services and extended the Bandra Terminus–Delhi Sarai Rohilla Garib Rath Express to Haridwar, with the move expected to improve travel access across Uttarakhand.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Which new rail services have been approved for Haridwar?

The Haridwar–Veraval AC Express and Haridwar–Okha AC Express have received approval.

Q. Which existing service will be extended to Haridwar?

The Bandra Terminus–Delhi Sarai Rohilla Garib Rath Express will be extended to Haridwar.

Q. Who informed the Uttarakhand chief minister about the decision?

Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through a letter.

Q. Who did Pushkar Singh Dhami thank for the approval?

Dhami thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

Q. Who is expected to benefit from the expanded rail connectivity?

Pilgrims, tourists, traders, students and other passengers travelling to or from Uttarakhand are expected to benefit.

Q. Has the start date for the services been announced?

operating dates for the extended or approved services is not yet available.