New Delhi, July 18, 2026

Strengthening transport infrastructure in Uttarakhand, the launch of the Ramnagar-Dehradun Express marks a significant milestone in improving direct rail connectivity between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions. The new service is expected to make travel more convenient for residents, tourists and pilgrims, while supporting the state's growing focus on regional development and better railway infrastructure. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off the inaugural train on Saturday in the presence of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami through video conferencing.

The Ramnagar-Dehradun Express will operate twice every week on Wednesdays and Fridays. Train No. 15310 will leave Ramnagar at 5:50 am and arrive in Dehradun at 12:40 pm, while Train No. 15309 will depart Dehradun at 3:55 pm and reach Ramnagar at 11:30 pm. The train will halt at Kashipur, Roshanpur, Pipalsana, Moradabad, Najibabad and Haridwar, offering AC 2-tier, AC 3-tier, AC Chair Car, Sleeper Class, Second Sitting and General coaches. Speaking on the occasion, Vaishnaw said the new train would significantly improve rail connectivity between the Kumaon and Garhwal regions, providing faster and more convenient travel for passengers.

The Railway Minister also announced that Rishikesh railway station will be developed as a feeder station to reduce congestion at Haridwar, while a master plan is being prepared to increase rail capacity and strengthen connectivity. He said redevelopment work is progressing at 11 railway stations across Uttarakhand, including Dehradun, Haridwar Junction, Kashipur Junction, Kathgodam, Ramnagar and Tanakpur. Vaishnaw also said the recently introduced Tanakpur-Nanded Express has received a positive response from passengers and that Vande Bharat services in the region are performing well. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami described the launch of the Ramnagar-Dehradun Express as another major step towards strengthening rail connectivity in the state. He said work on the Rishikesh-Karnaprayag railway line is progressing rapidly and would become a key driver of Uttarakhand's social, economic, religious and tourism development.

According to the Railways, the new train is expected to benefit people living in several districts of Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh while improving access to tourist destinations such as Jim Corbett National Park, Girija Devi Temple and Sitavani. It will also provide better connectivity for pilgrims travelling to the Char Dham circuit through Haridwar and Dehradun, further strengthening the state's transport network and supporting tourism, regional mobility and future economic growth.