Tag: #train

Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express

 Union Minister of Railways,Communications and Electronics & Information Technology Shri Ashwini  Vaishnaw  has announced a new train service Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express between Kashi and Tamil Nadu to commemorate the event. He interacted with the delegates from Tamil Nadu who were invited to witness the Kashi Tamil Sangamam. He also inspected the redevelopment plan of Varanasi Junction Railway Station.

Shri Ashwini  Vaishnaw interacted with the delegates of the eighth batch. The delegates shared their experiences in the tour and how they were well taken care of. He lauded the efforts of the Ministry of Railways & IRCTC team who helped in making this event successful. He said that such people-to-people exchange will bring the traditions, knowledge and culture closer together, while building an understanding of shared heritage and strengthen ties between the people of these two regions.

 

Shri Vaishnaw announced a new train service Kashi Tamil Sangamam Express between Kashi and Tamil Nadu to commemorate the event. He said the service will commence soon.

The Union Minister of Railways also reviewed the redevelopment plans of Varanasi Junction Railway Station. He suggested planning the redevelopment of the station keeping future traffic increases in mind.

 

While inspecting the Varanasi Junction Railway Station, the Minister said redevelopment of this station into a world class railway station is in line with the PM’s vision of making the railway station to look like an airport terminal. He added that about Rs 7000 crore would be spent in revamping the station to make it one of the best in the world.

 

Shri Vaishnaw said that the redevelopment would be done planning for 50 years ahead. He said that in order to ease the heavy footfall of passengers in the stations in Varansi city, Integrated development of all the railway stations in the region would be made. He also said that sleeper Vande Bharat manufacturing would commence soon to provide modern amenities to the passengers.

Kashi Tamil Sangamam is a month-long programme organized by the Ministry of Education, as a part of Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. Delegates from various walks of life are invited to witness this festival in Kashi. The Ministry of Railways and IRCTC ferried the invited delegates to Kashi, Prayagraj and Ayodhya and provided hospitality to them.

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Heritage trains in India that you must enjoy a ride on

Heritage rails are more than just tourist attractions. Not only they helps create a romantic feel, but also give us a glimpse of the history of the land. Although heritage railways have renovated most of their trains for technical advancements and safety purposes, they still carry the old-school charm. The views on these routes are just unparalleled. Here’s a list of heritage trains that you need to definitely enjoy a ride on.

Kalka-Shimla Railway

This narrow gauge railway chugs between Kalka and Shimla, and is famous for offering beautiful views of forests and hill regions. It was built in 1898 to connect Shimla, the summer capital of India, with the rest of the Indian rail system. It is 2 ft 6 inch (762 mm) narrow gauge railway in North-West India, and was built by HS Harington. It is now operated by the Northern Railway. UNESCO added the Kalka-Shimla railway to mountain railways of India World Heritage Site in 2008.

Darjeeling Himalayan Railway

The toy train, this train travels between New Jalpaiguri station and Darjeeling station. The Darjeeling Himalayan Railway started in the end of the 19th century, and covers six zigzag routes and five large loops to reach higher altitudes. In 1999, this route was declared as a World Heritage Site; it has also been one of the country’s most famous tourist attractions. The setting of the train journey also has a vintage charm to it, a ride on this train will definitely change your outlook toward train travel.

Nilgiri Mountain Railway

The Nilgiri Mountain Railway is in Tamil Nadu, and was built in 1908 by the British. The route runs from Mettupalayam to Udhagamandalam (Ooty), and takes around 4.8 hours to complete. Most times, just one train travels on this route each way; however, during the peak summer season, four trains run each way, everyday. In July 2005, UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site, and is now operated by the Salem railway division.

Matheran Hill Railway

This train is on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites, yet a ride on this train will be one of the best rides ever!. This narrow gauge train runs between Neral and Matheran in Maharashtra. Interesting thing to note here is that it chugs along the well-known Western Ghats, so in terms of views, you are in for a ride. Further, this 21 km long route has been in operation since 1907. The train starts its journey in Neral, and then ascends the Matheran hill by going through two large zig-zags before completing its 140 hours’ journey.