In a significant move to enhance connectivity for devotees, Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar has urged Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to launch a direct train service from Ranchi to Rishikesh. The proposed route will pass through Lohardaga, Tori, Daltonganj, Dehri-on-Sone, Varanasi, Ayodhyadham, Bareilly, and Haridwar, offering seamless access to some of India’s most revered spiritual destinations.
The initiative gained momentum following a formal request from Aditya Malhotra, President of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries. Governor Gangwar emphasized in his letter that this service addresses a critical need, easing the travel woes currently faced by passengers journeying to key religious hubs in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Rishikesh, and Haridwar.
Current travel options force pilgrims to endure multiple changes and long detours, leading to fatigue and inconvenience. The new service promises to change that, providing direct links that will allow thousands of Jharkhand residents to visit Lord Ram’s temple in Ayodhyadham and the sacred ghats of Haridwar and Rishikesh with remarkable ease.
Beyond spirituality, the rail link is poised to strengthen ties between Jharkhand and Uttar Pradesh. It will foster cultural exchanges, invigorate trade, boost tourism, and promote social interactions. Local businesses stand to gain from increased footfall, while the economy benefits from enhanced people-to-people contact.
As India’s rail network expands to meet modern demands, this proposal underscores the government’s commitment to pilgrimage tourism. With the Ayodhya Ram Mandir drawing global attention post its grand inauguration, direct connectivity from eastern India could see a surge in visitors. Stakeholders await a positive response from the Railway Ministry, which could transform regional travel dynamics.