Indian Railways adds new long-distance trains to strengthen connectivity in Punjab's Ferozepur

Indian Express

2 days ago

The Indian Railways has launched several new train services in Punjab's Ferozepur to enhance the region's rail network, and address long-standing demands for improved connectivity to key religious and commercial destinations.
These new train services, starting in June, are expected to benefit thousands of passengers each month, providing smoother, direct access to key cities without the need for lengthy road journeys or multiple train transfers.
The Firozpur Railway Division, which manages operations in this border region, plays a pivotal role in strengthening rail connectivity across Punjab and its neighbouring states. The division, which is under Northern Railway, handles both passenger and freight services, supporting trade, tourism, and regional development.
Here is a list of new trains:
Firozpur Cantt–Hazur Sahib Nanded Weekly Express
The first significant addition is the Firozpur Cantt-Hazur Sahib Nanded Weekly Express, which commenced operations on June 13. This train covers a distance of approximately 2,000 km, connecting Punjab directly with Hazur Sahib Nanded, one of the five Takhts in Sikhism, in Maharashtra.
Running once a week, the train departs Firozpur every Friday afternoon and reaches Nanded after nearly 38 hours of travel, offering AC and sleeper coaches to facilitate long-distance pilgrims and other travellers from the region.
Earlier, passengers had to board trains via Ludhiana or Amritsar to reach this destination. Union Minister of State Ravneet Singh Bittu was to formally flag off this train on June 13 in a special organised function, but it was cancelled after the Ahmedabad plane crash incident. Hence, an ardas was performed at the railway station to formally flag off the train.
Firozpur Cantt-Haridwar Weekly Express
Another much-awaited link is the Firozpur Cantt–Haridwar Weekly Express, which began service on June 18. This train now provides direct connectivity from Firozpur to the holy city of Haridwar, a popular destination for devotees from Punjab.
The train departs every Wednesday night and reaches Haridwar the following morning, offering a convenient overnight journey option for pilgrims and tourists alike. Earlier, passengers had to rely on trains running via Ludhiana, Amritsar, or other cities.
Firozpur-Sahibzada Ajit Singh Nagar (Mohali)
From June 30 onwards, two daily trains have resumed service between Firozpur Cantonment and Mohali. One runs in the morning and another in the evening.
'This train was stopped in April 2020 during Covid, and afterwards it was never restarted. Now, we continuously took up the matter with the Union Government and got rail connectivity improved for Firozpur by starting many trains,' said Rana Gurmeet Singh Sodhi, BJP national executive committee member and former Guru-Harsahai MLA.
Meanwhile, the Sutlej Express, operating under train numbers 14630/14629, has resumed service from Firozpur Cantt to Mohali. This daily express departs from Firozpur at 5:30 pm, reaching Chandigarh at approximately 10:40 pm, covering a distance of 236 km in around 5 hours.
The Chandigarh–Firozpur Cantt Express, identified by train numbers 14614 and 14613, also resumed service from June 30. Covering the same 236 km route, the journey from Firozpur to Mohali takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes, and around 5 hours on the return journey. It departs Firozpur at 5 am daily.
Like the Sutlej Express, it utilises general unreserved ICF coaches and operates daily, offering regular and economical connectivity for commuters and travellers.
'Now, there is a demand to add two AC coaches and one chair car to these trains,' said Heera Sodhi, a former State information commissioner and a Firozpur-based BJP leader.
Intercity Superfast Express
Additionally, the popular Intercity Superfast Express, which earlier operated between Moga and Delhi, will now be extended to start from Firozpur, running twice a week on Mondays and Fridays.
'A decision about this train has been made, but the Railways are yet to start it from Firozpur. We are hopeful that this train will start within a few days,' said Heera Sodhi.