**Executive Summary**
The document is a response to an unstarred question in Lok Sabha regarding the stoppage of the Vande Bharat train (26462/26461) at Barnala in Punjab, scheduled to be answered on December 17, 2025. It outlines the criteria for determining train stoppages, addresses Barnala's exclusion, and details the handling of requests for train halts. The response acknowledges the receipt of requests and highlights considerations for new stoppages, such as traffic justification, operational feasibility, and infrastructure.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Existing Train Services:** Barnala is served by 12 pairs of trains, including one pair connecting it to Firozpur and four pairs connecting it to the Delhi area. A list of all trains serving Barnala is provided.
* **Criteria for Train Stoppages:** Railways consider the following criteria to determine stoppages of premium trains like Vande Bharat:
* Projected ridership
* Infrastructure capacity
* Timetable constraints
* **Barnala Halt Evaluation:** Barnala was evaluated for a halt on Vande Bharat 26462/26461 (Firozpur Cantt.–New Delhi), but it was excluded. The specific reasons for this exclusion are not provided.
* **Handling of Requests for Stoppages:** The Railways receive formal and informal requests for train stoppages from various sources, including:
* State Governments
* Ministries of Central Government
* Elected Representatives
* Consultative Committees
These requests are handled as per laid-down procedures/guidelines, and action is taken if found feasible and justified.
* **Considerations for New Stoppages:** The provision of new train stoppages depends on the following factors:
* Traffic justification
* Operational feasibility, including extra time on the section
* Availability of matching infrastructure, such as platform length
**Impact Analysis**
**Stakeholder: Shri Gurmeet Singh Meet Hayer (MP)**
* **Impact:** Receives information on the criteria adopted by Railways for determining stoppages of premium trains, whether the Barnala station was evaluated for a halt on the Vande Bharat train, and related matters.
* **Action Required:** Review the information and potentially follow up on the justifications provided.
**Stakeholder: Residents/Commuters of Barnala**
* **Impact:** The document addresses the potential for Vande Bharat train stoppages at Barnala and clarifies factors influencing such decisions.
* **Action Required:** Continue to voice the demand for a halt, providing data and support for its traffic justification and operational feasibility.
**Stakeholder: Ministry of Railways**
* **Impact:** This document is an official response to a query regarding train services.
* **Action Required:** Continue to evaluate requests for train stoppages and address infrastructural limitations.
Key Entities Referenced
Vande Bharat Train: A premium train service, criteria for stoppages are being discussed.
Ministry of Railways: The ministry responsible for determining train stoppages and answering questions in Lok Sabha.
Barnala, Punjab: The location where the stoppage of Vande Bharat train is requested.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2983
TO BE ANSWERED ON 17.12.2025
STOPPAGE OF VANDE BHARAT TRAIN 26462/26461 AT BARNALA IN PUNJAB
2983. SHRI GURMEET SINGH MEET HAYER:
Will the Minister of RAILWAYS be pleased to state:
(a) the details of the criteria adopted by Railways for determining stoppages of
premium trains such as Vande Bharat including factors like projected ridership,
infrastructure capacity and timetable constraints;
(b) whether Barnala station was evaluated for a halt on Vande Bharat
26462/26461 (Firozpur Cantt.–New Delhi) and if so, the reasons for excluding the
said station;
(c) whether consultations were held with local MPs, MLAs, district authorities
or other stakeholders before finalising the stoppages and if so, the details
thereof;
(d) whether the Government has received any formal request seeking a Barnala
halt and if so, the details thereof including the replies given by the Railways;
(e) whether any infrastructural limitations at Barnala have influenced the
decision and whether upgrades are proposed and if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the details of the procedure and expected timeline for approving the
additional halt on this train in view of public demand?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF RAILWAYS, INFORMATION & BROADCASTING AND
ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
(SHRI ASHWINI VAISHNAW)
(a) to (f) Barnala is presently being served by 12 pairs of trains( listed below)
which includes 1 pair of train services connecting it to Firozpur and 4 pairs of
trains connecting it to Delhi area.
SN Train no. & Name
1 14887/14888 Rishikesh-Barmer Express
……. 2/--2-
2 14625/14626 Haridwar-Firozpur Cantt Express
3 12455/12456 Delhi Sarai Rohilla-Bikaner Express
4 14507/14508 Delhi-Fazilka Express
5 14509/14510 Dhuri-Bhatinda Express
6 14525/14526 Ambala Cantt-Sri Ganganagar Express
7 14815/14816 Sri Ganganagar- Rishikesh Express
8 14735/14736 Sri Ganganagar- Ambala Cantt Express
9 12485/12486 Hazur Sahib Nanded-Shri Ganganagar Express
10 12439/12440 Hazur Sahib Nanded-Shri Ganganagar Express
11 54765/54766 Dhuri-bhatinda Passenger
12 54551/54552 Ambala Cantt-Bhatinda Passenger
Representations/requests, both formal and informal, inter alia for provision of
stoppage of train services, are received from State Governments, Ministries of
Central Government, Elected Representatives, Consultative Committees etc. by
the Railways at various levels including Railway Board, Zonal Railways,
Divisional office etc. As receipt of such representations/requests is a continuous
and dynamic process, centralized compendium of such representations/requests
is not maintained. However, these are dealt as per laid down
procedure/guidelines and action as found feasible and justified is taken from
time to time, which is an on-going process.
Besides, provision of stoppages of train services depends on the traffic
justification, operational feasibility including availability of extra time on the
section & availability of matching infrastructure such as Platform length etc.
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