Rathwa flags off Nashik-Pune train

Nashik, Mar 31 (UNI) State Minister for Railways Narayan Rathwa today flagged off the much demanded Nashik-Pune train here at Nashik Road railway station.

In his address, Mr Rathwa assured to look into various demands of the region and also make efforts to fulfill them.

''Steps will be taken to decrease the journey time of the train (six and half hours at present). More occupancy will make way for more coaches and other facilities. Availability of more rakes for transportation of onion, grape, vegetables and other agricultural products, expansion of Nashik Road railway station.'' Mr Rathwa assured.

Regarding the Nashik-Surat train, he said, the conversion work of Jalgaon-Surat section from single to double was in progress. The electrification work has also been sanctioned. This will ease off the burden, he added.

Later, a new Reservation Centre was also inaugurated by the Minister.

District Guardian Minister Chhagan Bhujbal, MP Devidas Pingle, MP Harishchandra Chavan, MLA Dr Shobha Bachhav, Mayor Vinayak Pande, Central Railways AGM Kuldeep Chaturvedi, Station Manager D S Rathore and others were present at the occasion.

The 1025 UP Nashik-Pune train will depart from Nashik Road railway station at 0535 hrs and reach Pune at 1205 hrs whereas, the 1026 Down Pune-Nashik train will leave Pune at 1250 hrs and arrive at Nashik at 1940 hrs. The train will have 16 coaches including two SLR coaches and one AC bogey. The fare will be Rs 77 for second class.

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