A game-changer for pilgrims is on the horizon as Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar pens a letter to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for a dedicated train from Ranchi to Rishikesh. The route, via Lohardaga, Tori, Daltonganj, Dehri-on-Sone, Varanasi, Ayodhyadham, Bareilly, and Haridwar, was suggested following input from Federation of Jharkhand Chamber President Aditya Malhotra.
Describing it as vital for public welfare, the Governor noted the acute need for direct services to Uttar Pradesh’s pilgrimage hotspots including Ayodhya, Haridwar, Rishikesh, Lucknow, and Bareilly. Existing arrangements burden travelers with protracted, multi-leg trips fraught with uncertainties.
This new lifeline will empower devotees to reach Prabhuji Ram’s abode in Ayodhyadham and the tranquil ashrams of Rishikesh and Haridwar effortlessly. It’s more than transport—it’s about nurturing faith and devotion among Jharkhand’s populace.
Strategically, the service will cement socio-economic bonds between Jharkhand and UP, amplifying tourism revenues, business collaborations, and cultural festivals. Expect a surge in visitor numbers, benefiting local economies en route.
As the nation prioritizes spiritual infrastructure, this initiative could herald similar advancements elsewhere. Post the Ram Mandir’s unveiling, demand for such connections has skyrocketed. Approval from the ministry would mark a milestone in inclusive rail development.