A new direct rail link connecting Kutch and New Delhi was launched with the introduction of the Bhuj-Delhi Express service. The inauguration took place virtually in the presence of Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. Patel joined the event from Gandhinagar, while Vaishnaw participated from Pali in Rajasthan through virtual mode.
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Railway Ministry for establishing direct rail connectivity between Kutch and Delhi. He also acknowledged the approval of the Ahmedabad-Dholera semi high-speed rail project. Patel emphasized the significant transformation of Indian Railways under the Prime Minister’s leadership in the past 12 years.
Highlighting the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail corridor, Patel mentioned Gujarat’s pioneering role in the country’s modern railway expansion through the bullet train project. He noted the substantial progress of the bullet train project in Gujarat, with approximately 348 km of the corridor under construction in the state.
Patel underscored the acceleration of railway infrastructure development in Gujarat since 2014 under Modi’s guidance. He cited the laying of 2,900 km of new railway tracks in the state post-2014 and the implementation of railway projects worth Rs 1.28 lakh crore in Gujarat. Additionally, Patel disclosed that Gujarat had received Rs 17,366 crore in the Railway Budget for 2026-27, marking a 29% increase from the 2014 allocation.
The Chief Minister also mentioned the expansion of passenger rail services in Gujarat, including the introduction of five Vande Bharat Express trains, one Amrit Bharat train, and one Namo Bharat train. He highlighted the improved rail connectivity to the Statue of Unity through the Ekta Nagar station, facilitating access for tourists visiting the iconic destination.
Patel expressed confidence in the ongoing ‘Amrit Kaal’ period under the Prime Minister’s leadership and the Railway Minister’s guidance, foreseeing a new impetus in railway development that would contribute to India’s progress. The flagging-off ceremony at Bhuj railway station was attended by Minister of State Trikam Chhanga, MP Vinod Chavda, legislators, office-bearers from Kutch district, senior railway officials, and local residents.
