Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off a new Asarwa-Himmatnagar-Khedbrahma train service during his visit to Gujarat, marking the formal inauguration of several railway projects. The service is intended to create a vital transport link between the hinterland and urban centres and to provide direct connectivity to Ahmedabad for surrounding districts. Western Railway (WR) presented the projects as part of its strategy to improve regional mobility and economic access.

The train was introduced after completion of the Himmatnagar-Khedbrahma gauge conversion project of 54.83 km, which will be dedicated to the nation. WR said the gauge conversion is expected to improve access to education, healthcare and employment in tribal and semi-urban areas of North Gujarat and to strengthen tourism. The service is also expected to benefit daily commuters, students and patients by offering a safe, affordable and time-efficient travel option.

Mr Modi will also inaugurate the four-lane railway line of the Kanalus-Jamnagar doubling project of 28 km, a component of the larger Rajkot-Kanalus doubling project of 111.20 km, together with the Gandhidham-Adipur section of 10.69 km. WR indicated that the Kanalus-Jamnagar doubling will enable faster and more frequent trains and allow additional services to operate on the corridor. This capacity enhancement is intended to support major urban and industrial centres such as Jamnagar and Rajkot by reducing logistics delays and improving passenger connectivity.

WR noted that Jamnagar’s petroleum refining and brass industries will see improved freight exports, while agro-based sectors should benefit from quicker movement of farm produce to markets. The upgraded Gandhidham-Adipur corridor is expected to transform connectivity for the Kutch region by linking ports and industrial zones, easing freight congestion and improving turnaround times for goods trains. Together, the projects are projected to strengthen local economies, increase income opportunities for farmers and small traders and enhance overall regional mobility.