New Delhi/Udaipur, August 6: Udaipur MP Dr. Mannalal Rawat met Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at his office in Parliament House on Wednesday and presented several key railway-related demands concerning the Mewar region. The MP sought improved rail connectivity, expansion of existing train services, new railway lines, and strengthening of railway infrastructure in Udaipur.
During the meeting, the Railway Minister assured that the demands would be considered seriously.
Demand to Extend Vande Bharat to Surat
Dr. Rawat requested the extension of the Udaipur–Asarva Vande Bharat Express up to Surat, Gujarat. He said the train remains stationed at Asarva for more than seven hours, and extending its service would ensure better utilisation.
He added that a large number of traders and passengers from the Mewar and Vagad regions regularly travel to Surat and nearby areas, making the extension beneficial for commuters.
Improved Rail Connectivity for Mewar
The MP also urged the Railway Minister to strengthen rail connectivity between Mewar and southern India through additional train services.
He further sought:
- Doubling of the Chittorgarh–Debari railway track.
- A railway line connecting Udaipur and Falna.
- Improved rail connectivity between Udaipur and Sirohi Road.
- A new railway line linking Udaipur to Pratapgarh via Dhariyawad.
- Development of a 2 lakh square metre shopping mall at Udaipur City Railway Station.
Underpass Strengthening at Eklingpura
Dr. Rawat highlighted the need to strengthen and widen Railway Bridge No. 204 (116/9) near Eklingpura, located on the Balaji Vihar Colony road in Udaipur.
He said the existing bridge is narrow and creates traffic congestion while also affecting drainage and sewerage works. Since the doubling work on the Udaipur–Umarda railway section is currently underway, he requested that the height and width of the underpass be increased simultaneously to resolve these issues.
Requests for More Train Services
The MP also submitted demands for several train services, including:
- Extension of the Udaipur–Yognagari Rishikesh Express (19609/10) to Dehradun and operation on a daily basis instead of three days a week.
- Daily operation of the Udaipur–Banda Terminus Express (22901/02) with a revised route via Ahmedabad.
- Permanent restoration of the Agra–Asarva Express (01919/20), stating that the train earlier witnessed nearly 100 percent passenger occupancy.
- Extension of the Ajmer–Kathgodam (Ranikhet Express 15013/14) to Udaipur.
- Extension of the Gujarat Mail Express (12901/02) from Ahmedabad to Udaipur, noting that the train remains at Ahmedabad for nearly 17 hours before returning to Mumbai.
Opposition to Commercial Leasing of Railway Land
Dr. Rawat also opposed the proposal of the Rail Land Development Authority (RLDA) to lease around 19,588 square metres of land at the Udaipur City Railway Station on a 99-year lease for commercial and residential activities.
He said the land would be required in the future for additional railway tracks, yard maintenance facilities, washing lines, and other operational requirements, and urged the Railway Minister to stop the proposal.
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.