Northern Central Railway (NCR) has initiated preparations for a direct train service linking Prayagraj to Kathgodam, the primary rail gateway to Uttarakhand's Kumaon region. A formal proposal is being drafted for submission to the Railway Board, outlining a route that would pass through Kasganj, Badaun, and Bareilly.
Enhanced Connectivity and Travel Efficiency
The proposed train service is designed to significantly cut travel time for passengers, eliminating the current necessity to disembark at stations like Bareilly, Rampur, or Moradabad and complete the remainder of the journey to Kumaon by road. This direct connection is expected to be a boon for both pilgrims and tourists traveling from Prayagraj to popular destinations within the Kumaon Himalayas.
Political Support Drives Initiative
The concept for this new rail link gained momentum following a crucial meeting last month between NCR's General Manager and regional Members of Parliament. During this gathering, the route was identified as a priority. Phulpur MP Praveen Patel confirmed the administrative push, stating, "I have sent the proposal to run a direct train from Prayagraj to Kathgodam to the Northern Central Railway headquarters. Officials have assured me that the proposal is being forwarded to the Railway Board." Railway administrators have since adopted a positive stance, instructing officials to expedite the official proposal.
Operational Benefits and Future Steps
The selected route via Kasganj, Badaun, and Bareilly was chosen to balance operational feasibility with anticipated passenger demand. Beyond saving time for long-distance travelers, the new train service is projected to help alleviate road congestion on the Rampur–Kathgodam and Bareilly–Kathgodam corridors, thereby improving overall infrastructure and access for devotees and holidaymakers bound for Uttarakhand.
The proposal is currently in its final stages of preparation by NCR. Once completed, it will be forwarded to the Railway Board for formal approval and scheduling. If cleared, detailed timetables, coach compositions, and service frequency will be announced to the public.