Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Off Bhopal-Dhanbad and Bhopal-Chopan Express Trains

Ministry of Railways Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Flags Off Bhopal-Dhanbad and Bhopal-Chopan Express Trains New Rail Services to Strengthen Trade and Passenger Connectivity from Madhya Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand New Dedicated Freight Corridor from Dankuni to Surat, Passing Through Madhya Pradesh, to Serve as Strong Foundation for Large-Scale Industrial Development of the State: Sh. Ashwini Vaishnaw Posted On: 24 FEB 2026 9:38PM by PIB Delhi The Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw today virtually flagged off Train No. 11631/32 Bhopal–Dhanbad–Bhopal New Tri- Weekly Express and Train No. 11633/34 Bhopal–Chopan–Bhopal New Weekly Express at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi. This marks a significant step towards enhancing rail connectivity and passenger convenience in Madhya Pradesh and adjoining states. The launch ceremony was held at Bhopal Railway Station in the august presence of Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh Dr. Mohan Yadav, Deputy Chief Ministers Shri Jagdish Devda and Shri Rajendra Shukla, Members of Parliament Shri Alok Sharma and Dr. Rajesh Mishra, Members of Legislative Assembly Smt. Radha Singh & Smt. Riti Pathak and other dignitaries.माननीय रल मंी ी @AshwiniVaishnaw जी एव ं मध्य प्रदश के माननीय मुख्यमंी ी @DrMohan Yadav51 जी ारा भोपाल-धनबाद/चोपन एक्सप्रेस न का हरी झंडी दखाकर शुभारभं कया गया। #R ailInfra4MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/W8PhUJO7fv — Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) February 24, 2026 These new train services have been introduced keeping in view the convenience of rail passengers and the growing demand for direct connectivity from Madhya Pradesh to Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand. Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that railway development in Madhya Pradesh has reached an unprecedented scale during the Prime Minister’s historic third term. He informed that projects worth approximately ₹48,000 crore, directly connecting with Madhya Pradesh, have been sanctioned during this period. Shri Vaishnaw said that the long-awaited Indore-Manmad new railway line, a dream project for the region, has been sanctioned at an estimated cost of ₹18,000 crore. The Bhusawal-Khandwa third and fourth line project has been approved at ₹3,500 crore, while the Prayagraj-Manikpur third line project has been sanctioned at ₹1,640 crore. The Ratlam-Nagda third and fourth line project has been approved at ₹1,000 crore. In addition, the Itarsi-Nagpur fourth railway line project has been sanctioned at ₹5,400 crore. The important Itarsi-Bhopal-Bina fourth line corridor, a crucial high-density route, has been approved at ₹4,300 crore. The Vadodara-Ratlam third and fourth line project has been sanctioned at ₹8,800 crore. He said that the Cabinet has also approved the Gondia-Jabalpur doubling project at a cost of ₹5,200 crore. Other major ongoing projects include Ramganj Mandi-Bhopal, Lalitpur-Singrauli, Indore-Budni, Bina-Katni third line, Satna-Rewa and Katni-Singrauli doubling, Katni grade separator, and gauge conversion projects, which will significantly improve rail capacity, punctuality, and freight movement. To enhance freight and logistics efficiency, the Union Budget has proposed a new Dedicated Freight Corridor from Dankuni (West Bengal) to Surat (Gujarat), passing through Odisha, Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, and Maharashtra. The Union Minister informed that this new freight corridor will serve as a strong foundation for the large-scale industrial development of Madhya Pradesh. This 2,052 km East-West corridor will connect with the existing Western Dedicated Freight Corridor, enabling seamless movement of goods to western ports, reducing pressure on the existing rail network, and accelerating industrial growth. He further stated that through this corridor, Madhya Pradesh will be efficiently connected to major ports on the western coast, including ports in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The upcoming Vadhvan Port in Maharashtra, which is expected to be among the largest ports in the world upon completion, along with existing ports such as Hazira and Mundra, will provide enhanced connectivity for the State. With high-speed freight connectivity to these ports, industries in Madhya Pradesh will gain significant advantages in both export and import operations, whether for containerised cargo or bulk commodities. This improved logistics ecosystem is expected to accelerate industrial growth in the State. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav expressed his pleasure that the newly introduced train service has commenced operations, ensuring daily rail connectivity to Singrauli. He described the development as a significant gift for the region. He conveyed his gratitude to Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw and noted that, apart from Singrauli, the train would also benefit people travelling between Singrauli and Dhanbad, where many residents are engaged in trade, business, and employment. Dr. Yadav stated that the introduction of this service establishes direct rail connectivity with Jharkhand and Bihar, benefitting residents across the three States. He added that the new rail service is not merely a transportation facility but a pathway for future development. Bhopal–Dhanbad–Bhopal New Tri-Weekly Express (Train No. 11631/32)The train will halt at a total of 30 stations between Bhopal and Dhanbad. Under regular service, it will depart from Bhopal at 20:55 hrs and reach Dhanbad at 20:30 hrs the following day. In the return direction, it will depart from Dhanbad at 07:20 hrs and reach Bhopal at 07:00 hrs the next day. The train will operate with a total of 24 coaches comprising AC, Sleeper and General class coaches. Bhopal–Chopan–Bhopal New Weekly Express (Train No. 11633/34) The train will halt at 15 stations between Bhopal and Chopan. Under regular service, it will depart from Bhopal at 20:55 hrs and reach Chopan at 10:50 hrs the next day. On return, it will depart from Chopan at 17:10 hrs and reach Bhopal at 07:00 hrs the following day. This train will also operate with a total of 24 coaches including AC, Sleeper and General class coaches. Benefits of the New Train Services The new train services will provide direct connectivity to Vidisha, Ganj Basoda, Bina, Sagar, Damoh, Katni Murwara, Khanna Banjari, Beohari, Singrauli, Chopan, Chandrapura and Dhanbad, among others. They will strengthen connectivity between Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Jharkhand, and connect the Singrauli coalfields and industrial regions with the capital city of Bhopal. The services are expected to boost trade, energy and mining sectors across the three states. Passengers will benefit from convenient, safe and secure rail services, promoting balanced regional development. The new trains will also support tourism, local trade, industry and education, and facilitate smooth travel for daily passengers and commuters. The flagging off of these trains reflects the Government’s continued commitment to strengthening railway infrastructure, enhancing passenger amenities and ensuring seamless connectivity across regions. भोपाल-धनबाद/चोपन एक्सप्रेस न के शुभारभं स े ेीय कनेवटी को मजबूती मलेगी और याय को तेज, सुरत एवं सुवधाजनक याा का लाभ मलेगा । #RailInfra4MadhyaPradesh pic.twit ter.com/zFM9PUhmVa — Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) February 24, 2026 Railway Development in Madhya Pradesh Madhya Pradesh, known as the heart of India, is playing an important role in this development journey. Expansion of rail connectivity, construction of new lines, and strengthening of infrastructure in the state are creating new opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment, thereby strengthening not only the state’s economy but also contributing to the overall progress of the country. The Union Budget 2026–27 has allocated a record capital expenditure (Capex) of ₹2,93,030 crore for Indian Railways and a record ₹1.20 lakh crore for safety. In this sequence, Madhya Pradesh has received ₹15,188 crore for railway development, which is 24 times higher compared to the period 2009–2014. This record allocation will provide new momentum to railway infrastructure, safety, security, passenger amenities, and freight capacity in Madhya Pradesh. At present, railway projects worth ₹1,18,379 crore are in progress in the state, and 100% electrification of railway lines in Madhya Pradesh has been completed. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 80 stations are being redeveloped, some of which have already been inaugurated by the Prime Minister in 2025. In the field of safety, a plan has been prepared to implement the Kavach system over 4,591 route kilometers in Madhya Pradesh. For passenger convenience, 05 pairs of Vande Bharat Express and 04 pairs of Amrit Bharat Express trains are being operated in the state. Additional Vande Bharat Express, Amrit Bharat Express, andnew trains will also be introduced this year. FFllaaggggiinngg ooffff ooff BBhhooppaall--DDhhaannbbaadd// CChhooppaann EExxpprreessss bbyy HHoonn''bbllee CC…… ***** Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj/ Manik Sharma (Release ID: 2232455) Visitor Counter : 276 Read this release in: Kannada