Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Off New Routes Connecting Western Rajasthan to Southern India
Jodhpur, May 3, 2025 – In a significant boost to railway connectivity in Western India, two new long-distance train services were flagged off today from Jodhpur to Hadapsar (Pune) and Dr. MGR Chennai Central. The inaugural ceremonies were conducted by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Tourism and Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, who flagged off the services via video conferencing and at Jodhpur Station, respectively.
Direct Rail Link from Jodhpur to Pune and Chennai Now Operational
According to Shashi Kiran, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Western Railway, the launch event was held virtually from Pune station, where Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw was joined by Pali MP P.P. Chaudhary. From the Jodhpur station, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat flagged off the inaugural special trains amid a ceremonial gathering.
The Pune (Hadapsar)–Jodhpur and Chennai Central–Jodhpur (Bhagat Ki Kothi) routes are expected to significantly improve rail connectivity between Rajasthan and the southern states of Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, easing travel for passengers and fostering cultural and economic ties.
Modernization and Development Underway in Indian Railways
In his address, Ashwini Vaishnaw expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the launch marks another step towards realizing the vision of ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He highlighted that under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, Indian Railways is undergoing a massive transformation with initiatives such as station redevelopment, track doubling, electrification, and introduction of new train services.
Shekhawat emphasized the historical significance of connecting Rajasthan with Pune and Chennai, referring to the renewed cultural legacy between Veer Durgadas Ji and Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj through this rail link. He noted that the initiative not only fosters regional integration but also serves strategic tourism and trade objectives.
Dignitaries and Officials Join the Flag-Off Ceremony
The event saw the presence of prominent dignitaries including Rajya Sabha MP Rajendra Gehlot, MLA Devendra Joshi, and Vanita Seth, along with senior railway officials like Jodhpur Divisional Railway Manager Anurag Tripathi. Attendees were welcomed traditionally with Rajasthani safas.
MP Lumbaram Chaudhary also participated in the ceremony via video conferencing. Amitabh, General Manager of North Western Railway, extended a formal welcome to all guests.
Key Highlights
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New Routes: Jodhpur to Pune (Hadapsar) and Chennai Central (Bhagat Ki Kothi)
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Inauguration by: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat
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Strategic Importance: Enhances North-South connectivity and cultural ties
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Railway Development Focus: Station upgrades, electrification, new services under Amrit Bharat Yojana
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.
