Chandigarh: In a boost to rail connectivity between Rajasthan and the Tricity region, Northern Railways has announced the launch of the Udaipur City–Chandigarh–Udaipur City Bi-weekly Superfast Express (20989/20990). The train, approved by the ministry of railways, comes following the efforts of Punjab governor and Chandigarh administrator Gulab Chand Kataria.Kataria, who recently met railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw in New Delhi, had proposed the need for a direct rail link between Chandigarh and Udaipur, also known a City of Lakes. The proposal was swiftly approved, leading to the announcement of this new train service.Train No. 20989 will depart from Udaipur City at 4.05pm and reach Chandigarh at 9.50am the following day. On the return leg, Train No. 20990 will depart from Chandigarh at 11:20 AM and reach Udaipur at 5:30 AM the next day.The train will have stoppages at Rana Pratap Nagar Udaipur, Mavli Junction, Kapasan, Chanderia, Bhilwara, Bijainagar, Ajmer, Kishangarh, Phulera, Jaipur, Gandhinagar (Jaipur), Dausa, Bandikui, Rajgarh, Alwar, Rewari, Jhajjar, Rohtak, Jind, Narwana, Kaithal, Kurukshetra, and Ambala Cantt before reaching Chandigarh.The train will run bi-weekly, operating from Udaipur on Wednesdays and Saturdays and from Chandigarh on Thursdays and Sundays.While the date of commencement and fare structure are yet to be announced, railway officials said that details will be made public shortly.The new service is expected to benefit travellers from Chandigarh, Mohali, Panchkula, and neighbouring regions, offering them a direct and convenient connection to Udaipur, a major tourist and cultural hub of Rajasthan.
