(a) whether the Government has any plans to introduce direct super-fast train between Puri and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra railway station to connect these two places of religious importance;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) if not, the reasons therefor; and
(d) whether the new direct super-fast trains are likely to be introduced between Puri and other major cities of India and if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, COMMUNICATIONS AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (d) No, Sir. At present, there is no immediate proposal to introduce train service from Puri to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and other cities of India, due to operational constraints including terminal constraints at Puri and severe path constraints in enroute sections. However, introduction of train services over Indian Railways is an ongoing process subject to operational feasibility, commercial justification, etc.
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