Centre to run special train between Jammu-Haridwar on Somvati Amavasya on June 14-15
New Delhi, June 9
The Centre has accepted the demand to run a special train between Jammu and Haridwar on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya on June 14 and 15, Union MoS Science and Technology, Jitendra Singh, said on Tuesday.
Prem Nath Dogra, Jammu and Kashmir State Executive Member and In-Charge, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, had requested the operation of a special train for devotees to travel to Haridwar in Uttarakhand on the occasion of Amavasya.
The Union Minister expressed gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
"Good News for Kathua, Hiranagar, Jammu. Thanks, Railway Minister Sh Ashwini Vaishnaw, for accepting the demand to run a special train between Jammu and Haridwar on the occasion of Amavasya. In the last 12 years under PM Narendra Modi, there has not been a single demand from the region that has gone unconceded," Jitendra Singh wrote on X.
Earlier this month, MoS Singh had written to Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, putting forward Prem Nath Dogra's request.
"I am enclosing herewith a request submitted by Shri Prem Nath Dogra, State Executive Member and In-Charge, Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir, regarding the operation of a special train from Jammu to Haridwar on June 14, 2026 and its return journey from Haridwar to Jammu on June 15, 2026. The request is intended to facilitate travel for local pilgrims desirous of observing Somvat Amavasya at Haridwar. I would, therefore, request your goodself to appropriately look into it," the letter read.
Indian Railways often runs special trains on the occasions of festivals and for devotees travelling to pilgrimage sites.
On Monday, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini flagged off a special train from Kurukshetra to Somnath in Gujarat, carrying more than 1,100 devotees, noting that pilgrimages serve as a powerful medium for strengthening social harmony and preserving cultural traditions.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good step by the government. But honestly, we need more such regular trains for pilgrims throughout the year, not just on special occasions. Many elderly people can't afford private transport, and these trains are a blessing for them.
Har Har Gange! 🇮🇳 This is what makes India special—our government listens to local leaders and facilitates religious travel. Jitendra Singh ji has been consistent in raising Jammu's needs. Hope the train has good facilities for the elderly.
Wonderful initiative. I'm not Hindu, but I appreciate how India respects all faiths and facilitates religious tourism. The Railways deserves credit for organizing these special trains efficiently.
That's great! But I do wish they'd announce such trains a bit earlier. Many families start planning weeks in advance for Somvati Amavasya. Last-minute announcements can be stressful for people arranging travel. Still, better late than never! 🙏
As someone from Jammu who visits Haridwar regularly, this is much needed. The regular trains are always packed during festival season. This special train will definitely reduce the rush. Kudos to the Railways and the minister for acting on this request. 🚂
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