Bharuch: Strong demands have been raised for a stoppage of the Vande Bharat Express at Bharuch, one of Gujarat’s key industrial hubs. The issue, along with several other long-pending railway facility requirements, was discussed in a meeting held between the General Manager of Western Railway, Bharuch MP Mansukh Vasava, and other public representatives and officials.

During the meeting, leaders emphasised that Bharuch plays a crucial role in the country’s industrial network and deserves a halt for premium trains. They pointed out that if the Vande Bharat Express is permitted to stop at stations other than metropolitan cities, then Bharuch should be granted a stoppage at the earliest. In addition, demands were raised for stoppages of the Suryanagari Express and Golden Temple Express at Bharuch.

A strong pitch was also made for improved rail convenience for thousands of employees commuting daily between Surat and Bharuch. Representatives urged Western Railway to introduce regular evening trains between 6 pm and 9 pm to meet the travel needs of the industrial workforce travelling up and down.

Infrastructure-related concerns at Bharuch Railway Station were highlighted as well. Officials urged swift completion of the ongoing lift and escalator work, which is progressing at a glacial pace, and called for restoration of the Bharuch–Dahej and Ankleshwar–Rajpipla routes, which were discontinued during the COVID-19 period.

In view of increasing passenger traffic, the delegation also stressed the need to construct new foot overbridges, expand existing FOBs, and upgrade lighting and safety arrangements across various stations in the district. Demands were also made to enhance amenities including waiting halls, drinking water facilities, seating arrangements, toilets, Wi-Fi, escalators, lifts, ticket counters, and reservation facilities.

Further, public representatives pressed for new rail services in the Narmada–Rajpipla–Bharuch corridor to boost connectivity for the growing industrial and residential population.

It is noteworthy that two Vande Bharat Express trains operating between Ahmedabad and Mumbai currently bypass Bharuch. Among them, one halts at towns like Anand, Navsari and Valsad — stops that were added following strong demand from local MPs and MLAs. With similar intervention and strong representation by the Bharuch MLA, hopes have risen that the train may soon receive a stoppage at Bharuch as well. DeshGujarat