Shaktisinh Gohil, Member of Parliament from the Indian National Congress in the Rajya Sabha, has urged the central government to start a direct train service between Bhavnagar and New Delhi, highlighting the severe inconvenience faced by passengers from the region.
Raising the issue in Parliament, Gohil said Bhavnagar—one of the most important cities in the Saurashtra region of Gujarat—continues to face neglect when it comes to transport infrastructure despite its economic and religious significance.
Gohil proposed that the existing Bhavnagar–Ayodhya Weekly Express could be used to start a direct Bhavnagar–Delhi service.
Demand To Extend Ayodhya Express For Delhi Route
Currently, train numbers 19201 and 19202 operate weekly between Bhavnagar and Ayodhya. According to Gohil, once the train completes its journey and returns to Bhavnagar, it remains stationed there for four days every week without being utilised.
He argued that the same train could easily be run once a week between Bhavnagar and Delhi during this idle period.
“This can be done without introducing a new train or requiring an additional train rake,” Gohil said while addressing the Rajya Sabha.
Bhavnagar: An Important City Without Direct Connectivity
Gohil pointed out that Bhavnagar is an important division of the Western Railway and one of the major urban centres of Saurashtra. Yet, despite its prominence, there is not a single direct train connecting the city to the national capital.
This lack of connectivity, he said, has caused persistent hardship for business travellers, pilgrims, students and government officials who frequently need to travel to Delhi.
Passengers currently have to change trains in cities such as Ahmedabad or Surat, making the journey longer and more inconvenient.
Economic Importance Of Bhavnagar
Bhavnagar district holds significant economic importance for India’s maritime and recycling industries.
The district is home to Alang Ship Breaking Yard, widely recognised as the largest ship-breaking yard in Asia and one of the biggest in the world. Hundreds of ships from across the globe are dismantled there every year, supporting thousands of jobs and generating substantial economic activity.
Despite hosting such a globally significant industrial hub, Gohil said the region has not received the infrastructure attention it deserves.
Religious Significance: Palitana Jain Pilgrimage
Gohil said the absence of direct rail connectivity to Delhi creates unnecessary difficulties for pilgrims traveling from North India to this sacred site.
Bhavnagar district is also a major religious destination. The world-famous Jain pilgrimage site Palitana Temples—often referred to as Shashvat Tirth in Jain tradition—is located here.
The temple complex atop Shatrunjaya Hill attracts lakhs of devotees every year from across India and abroad.
Airport Closure Adds To Connectivity Crisis
Highlighting another major issue, Gohil said Bhavnagar Airport is currently completely non-operational, with no commercial flight services running from the city.
The shutdown of the airport has effectively cut off Bhavnagar’s air connectivity, leaving residents and travellers heavily dependent on rail and road transport.
With both direct air services and direct trains to Delhi unavailable, passengers from Bhavnagar often have to travel to Ahmedabad or other cities to catch flights or long-distance trains.
Longstanding Perception Of Regional Neglect
Gohil said the situation reflects a broader pattern of infrastructure neglect toward Bhavnagar and parts of Saurashtra.
Historically, the region has frequently raised concerns that major railway routes, aviation projects and national transport investments have been concentrated in a few larger cities, while important regional centres like Bhavnagar have been overlooked despite their economic contributions.
Appeal To Central Government
Gohil urged the central government to immediately start a direct train service between Bhavnagar and Delhi by optimising the existing Ayodhya Express.
He argued that such a step would:
- Provide significant relief to passengers from Bhavnagar and Saurashtra
- Improve connectivity for pilgrims visiting Palitana
- Support trade and industrial travel linked to Alang
- Strengthen the region’s integration with the national capital
“Starting a direct train will greatly benefit passengers from Saurashtra and also support the region’s economic and religious importance,” Gohil told the House.
The Congress MP appealed to the government to consider the proposal at the earliest in the interest of passengers and regional development.
Also Read: Generously Provide Compensation To Farmers, Shaktisinh Gohil Tells Gujarat Government https://www.vibesofindia.com/generously-provide-compensation-to-farmers-shaktisinh-gohil-tells-gujarat-government/
