In a recent development, the Railway Ministry has approved the extension of the Mumbai-Jalna Vande Bharat Express up to Nanded. This move has brought immense joy to the Sikh community, as it will now be easier for them to travel to Hazur Sahib, a key pilgrimage site in the Sikh faith.
Mumbai-Jalna Vande Bharat Will Improve Connectivity To Hazur Sahib
One of the oldest demands of the Maharashtra Sikh Association and the Sikh community has now been met by the Railway Ministry. According to The Times of India, the Mumbai-Jalna Vande Bharat Express will now run to Nanded. Every year, lakhs of Sikh devotees travel to Hazur Sahib, one of the five Takhts of the Sikh faith and the place where Guru Gobind Singh Ji spent his final days.
Speaking to TOI, Bal Malkit Singh, convenor of the Maharashtra Sikh Association, said this moment has brought immense joy and satisfaction to the Sikh community and the Guru Nanak Seva Sangat. They had been pushing for this for decades and are now thankful to the Prime Minister, the government, and the Railway Board for recognising the religious, cultural, and national importance of Hazur Sahib. A Central Railway officer also confirmed that this service will start shortly.
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Train Routes And Timings
According to The Free Press Journal, a statement issued by the community on Sunday confirmed the train timings. Train No. 20705 (Nanded to Mumbai) will depart at 5 am and reach Mumbai by 2:25 pm. It will stop at Parbhani, Jalna, and Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar. On the return route, Train No. 20706 (Mumbai to Nanded) will leave at 1:10 pm and reach Nanded by 10:50 pm, with halts at Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, Jalna, and Parbhani.
Bal Malkit Singh also added that the launch of a high-speed, semi-bullet service will not only improve connectivity but will also offer a more comfortable travel option for pilgrims, tourists, and residents. He also mentioned that this is a tribute to the spiritual and historical importance of Nanded in Sikhism and Indian heritage.
Also Read: Tatanagar To Puri In 8 Hours: New Vande Bharat Express Promises Speed And Comfort
The extension of the Mumbai-Jalna Vande Bharat is truly a moment of happiness for the Sikh community. It will now be much easier for many devotees to undertake this spiritual journey.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/Harshul12345