JAMMU, June 09, 2026 : Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh on Tuesday expressed his gratitude to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for approving a long-pending public demand to operate a special train between Jammu and Haridwar on the occasion of Somvati Amavasya, providing much-needed travel convenience to thousands of devotees from Jammu and Kashmir.
Dr. Singh described the decision as a reflection of the Central Government’s commitment to addressing the aspirations and genuine requirements of the people of the region. He thanked Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for his prompt and positive response to the request for introducing the special pilgrimage service.
The development follows an official communication dated June 3, 2026, wherein Dr. Jitendra Singh had written to the Railway Minister forwarding a representation submitted by Shri Prem Nath Dogra, State Executive Member and In-Charge of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan in Jammu and Kashmir. The representation sought the operation of a special train from Jammu to Haridwar on June 14 and its return journey from Haridwar to Jammu on June 15, enabling pilgrims to participate in the sacred observances of Somvati Amavasya.
Expressing his appreciation, Dr. Singh stated, “I thank Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw for accepting the demand to run a special train between Jammu and Haridwar on the occasion of Amavasya. In the last 12 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, there has not been a single demand from the region that has gone unconceded.”
The special service is expected to offer significant relief to pilgrims by ensuring smooth, comfortable, and hassle-free travel to one of Hinduism’s most revered pilgrimage destinations during the auspicious occasion.
The announcement has been widely welcomed by residents, religious organizations, and devotees across Jammu and adjoining areas, who have termed the move a timely and people-centric initiative that strengthens connectivity while supporting the spiritual aspirations of the public.
