Streamlining sacred journeys: Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar has formally requested Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw to introduce a direct rail service connecting Ranchi to Rishikesh, traversing Lohardaga, Tori, Daltonganj, Dehri-on-Sone, Varanasi, Ayodhyadham, Bareilly, and Haridwar. Prompted by a plea from Aditya Malhotra of the Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries, the letter frames this as an essential public service.
Passengers from Ranchi currently face a gauntlet of transfers to reach holy sites in Uttar Pradesh such as Lucknow, Ayodhya, Bareilly, Rishikesh, and Haridwar. The Governor’s advocacy spotlights these pain points, pushing for a remedy that prioritizes devotee convenience.
Once operational, the train will facilitate effortless travel to Ayodhyadham for Ram Lalla’s blessings and to the yoga capitals of Haridwar and Rishikesh. This direct corridor will make spirituality more accessible, encouraging more families to embark on these enriching pilgrimages.
The ripple effects extend to inter-state relations, fortifying religious and cultural exchanges while spurring economic growth through tourism and trade. Jharkhand’s artisans, traders, and service sectors could tap into Uttar Pradesh’s vast market, fostering mutual prosperity.
In the context of India’s burgeoning pilgrimage economy, this proposal reflects forward-thinking governance. With Ayodhya emerging as a global spiritual beacon, enhanced rail links from regions like Jharkhand are vital. The ball is now in the Railway Ministry’s court, with hopes for swift action.