PM flags off train to Dhar, bring rail connectivity for 1st time to city since 1947

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday flagged off a new MEMU train service between Vadodara and Tanda Road in Madhya Pradesh's Dhar district, bringing the tribal-dominated district onto the country's rail network for the first time since Independence. He virtually launched the service from Pratapnagar station in Vadodara during his day-long visit to Gujarat.During the programme held through video conferencing, Modi also laid the foundation stone for the third and fourth railway lines between Vadodara and Ratlam in Madhya Pradesh. Railway officials said the new service will improve access for people in Dhar district and strengthen links between parts of Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat.advertisement❮❯ Read Full StoryA railway official said a 12-coach MEMU, or Mainline Electric Multiple Unit, train will run daily between Pratapnagar and Tanda Road station in Dhar district.Another official said residents of Dhar district will now have easier access to train travel from Tanda Road to Pratapnagar, adding that the district has received railway connectivity for the first time since Independence. Union Minister of State Savitri Thakur, Alirajpur MLA Nagar Singh Chauhan and several other public representatives were present at the programme held at Tanda Road.Thakur said the new railway line from Tanda Road will connect Madhya Pradesh and Gujarat through two bridges. She said, "This is a major gift for our tribal brothers and sisters, farmers, and the entire region. The dream that the people of our tribal region had years ago has come true today." The Union minister said the new link would lead to the region's development and make travel easier for farmers, women and young people. "New industries will emerge, new jobs will be created, and new opportunities will be available," Thakur said.The new train service will connect Vadodara and Chhota Udepur districts in Gujarat with Alirajpur and Dhar districts in Madhya Pradesh, marking a new transport link for the area.- Ends