Three new express trains were officially flagged off from Bhavnagar station, promising to significantly enhance inter-state connectivity across Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. These new services mark a continued push by the Indian Railways to provide high-impact connectivity solutions in underserved regions, strengthening socio-economic cohesion and easing intercity travel.
The newly introduced routes — Bhavnagar–Ayodhya Express, Rewa–Pune Express, and Jabalpur–Raipur Express — address long-pending public demands while supporting trade, tourism, and passenger convenience. Officials from the Ministry of Railways have confirmed that the launches reflect both the strategic vision of equitable infrastructure development and the Centre’s increased budgetary allocation for rail transport. Among the new additions, the Jabalpur–Raipur Express, which commenced operations on August 3, is particularly noteworthy. It directly links Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh for the first time with an express service, a move that is expected to cut travel time and catalyse both commerce and mobility across the two central Indian states. Railway planners believe that the route will reduce pressure on road transport and stimulate regional trade activity.
The Rewa–Pune Express connects key cities in Madhya Pradesh with one of Maharashtra’s largest urban centres, offering a more direct and time-efficient route. Simultaneously, the Bhavnagar–Ayodhya Express not only bridges the distance between western and northern India but also supports religious tourism to the temple town of Ayodhya, while enhancing accessibility for general passengers. Railway officials emphasised that the launch of these services is not just about new routes, but about strategically bridging infrastructure gaps and enabling people-centric mobility networks. At a parallel ceremony, dignitaries from both Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh joined the inaugurations, reflecting strong political alignment in advancing railway infrastructure in central India.
In Chhattisgarh, which has been the focus of intensified railway investments, over ₹44,000 crore worth of projects are under execution. These include 32 station modernisations and the ongoing operation of two Vande Bharat Express trains. According to railway ministry updates, ₹6,925 crore was allocated to the state in the 2025 Union Budget — the highest ever for Chhattisgarh — signalling a long-term commitment to building inclusive and future-ready infrastructure. As part of India’s broader rail modernisation strategy, these new trains are complemented by station upgrades, electrification, and digital ticketing. Experts suggest that the systematic rollout of such projects under the Gati Shakti Master Plan is helping Indian Railways move toward a cleaner, faster, and more accessible mobility model — crucial to achieving India’s net-zero and economic inclusion targets.
Officials underscored that the newly inaugurated express services will not only offer passenger comfort but also reshape the mobility experience across Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, laying the foundation for a more decentralised and sustainable transport future.
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