New Delhi [India], June 27 : Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw virtually flagged off a new weekly train connecting Gwalior to Bengaluru on Thursday, calling it a major boost for Madhya Pradesh cities such as Guna, Bhopal, and others.
Vaishnaw highlighted ongoing rail development in the state, noting, “This train will benefit Gwalior, Guna, Bhopal, and the whole of Madhya Pradesh. Under PM Modi’s leadership, 2,651 km of rail lines have been built in 11 years — more than the total network in countries like Denmark. Eighty stations are currently under construction, including Gwalior.”
He also revealed that a train between Gwalior and Agra is in the pipeline and assured that preparations for the upcoming Kumbh Mela will match the scale of a Maha Kumbh. Additionally, he mentioned new rail projects worth ₹24,000 crore have been approved.
Union Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia, who flagged off the train at Gwalior Railway Station and joined the journey, said the new service significantly cuts travel time to Bengaluru.
“Earlier, travelers had to endure a 36-hour journey, including long waits at Kota or Bhopal. Now, they can reach Bengaluru directly in 30 hours,” Scindia noted.
He emphasized the convenience the train offers to students, job-seekers, and families. “This connectivity will make a huge difference for youth aiming to study or work in Bengaluru and for parents visiting their children,” he added.
Scindia further credited the state’s development to coordinated efforts under Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and Prime Minister Modi, noting the introduction of multiple new rail links from Gwalior. He also mentioned that the Gwalior–Kolaras MEMU service will soon be extended to Sheopur and, eventually, to Kota.
The flag-off ceremony was attended virtually by CM Mohan Yadav and Railway Minister Vaishnaw, while Scindia participated in person from Gwalior and traveled in the newly launched train.