The Central Government has approved three measures to strengthen rail connectivity to Haridwar and other destinations in Uttarakhand. The decisions include extending the Bandra Terminus-Delhi Sarai Rohilla Garib Rath Express to Haridwar and introducing two AC Express services linking Haridwar with Veraval and Okha.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav informed Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami about the approvals through a letter. The extension and new services are intended to expand rail access to Haridwar, an important destination for pilgrims and tourists travelling to the state.

The approved services will connect Haridwar with destinations in Gujarat and with Delhi and Mumbai through the existing Garib Rath route. The announcement provides additional rail links for people travelling for religious, tourism, business, educational and personal purposes, although details regarding operating schedules were not provided.

Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Vaishnav for the decision. He said stronger rail connectivity was important for Uttarakhand’s religious, tourism and economic activities, and noted that rail services had been expanding in the state with support from the Central Government.

The Chief Minister said the improved links would provide greater convenience to pilgrims, tourists, businesspeople, students and other travellers. The measures mark a further expansion of services serving Haridwar, while connecting the city more directly with major destinations across northern and western India.