Bhavnagar witnessed a milestone in regional connectivity this weekend as Indian Railways introduced a new weekly express train service linking Bhavnagar in Gujarat with the sacred city of Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. The Bhavnagar-Ayodhya Express, flagged off by railway authorities, symbolises more than just a transit link — it aims to unify faith, facilitate pilgrimage, and catalyse economic activity across regions steeped in cultural heritage.
The inaugural ceremony, attended by senior railway officials and state representatives, also marked the launch of two additional long-distance trains: Rewa-Pune Express and Jabalpur-Raipur Express. All three services are designed to strengthen interstate mobility and uplift regional economies by improving access between industrial, tribal, and religious hubs. Officials described the Bhavnagar-Ayodhya route as a transformative corridor that will deepen cultural exchange and boost domestic tourism. The weekly express is expected to enhance pilgrimage access for devotees in Gujarat wishing to visit Ram Janmabhoomi in Ayodhya. For Bhavnagar, a port city with growing logistics relevance, the train adds a spiritual dimension to its connectivity network.
Railway experts highlighted that the recent decade has seen Indian Railways achieve unprecedented growth in terms of track expansion, station redevelopment, and introduction of new-age rolling stock. The network has grown by over 34,000 km in 11 years, averaging 12 km of new lines laid per day. At present, nearly 1,300 stations are under modernisation, making it the world’s most extensive railway upgrade programme. In addition to passenger services, freight infrastructure in Gujarat is poised for a significant upgrade. Railway officials confirmed upcoming projects in Bhavnagar including two Gati Shakti cargo terminals, a new port container terminal, a flyover in Porbandar, and a coach maintenance facility at Ranavav station. These projects align with the national Gati Shakti vision for integrated and efficient logistics.
The event also served as a platform to announce daily operations of a new Porbandar-Rajkot passenger service, further enriching regional train connectivity in Saurashtra. According to railway authorities, these services reflect the Centre’s focus on inclusive development by ensuring equitable access to mobility across geographies. Highlighting inclusive growth and sustainability, officials noted the rollout of Amrit Bharat trains — a new category of affordable, modern trains with facilities similar to Vande Bharat but at lower fares. These trains are aimed at democratising access to high-quality rail services and are already gaining traction among middle-income travellers.
Representatives at the ceremony emphasised that religious tourism, modern infrastructure, and social inclusivity are not mutually exclusive. The Bhavnagar-Ayodhya Express, they noted, is a fine example of how spiritual aspirations and infrastructure ambitions can converge to serve the public good.
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