After Three Decades of Silence, the Whistle Blows Again: A New Era for Maharashtra's Latur Road-Mudkhed Route

For residents along the Latur Road-Mudkhed route in Maharashtra, a dream that lingered for thirty long years has finally become a reality. The silent tracks, once bustling with the rhythm of trains, have awakened to the familiar, heartwarming sound of a locomotive whistle. This isn't just a new train service; it's a revival, a testament to enduring hope, and a significant boost for connectivity in the region.

The wait began in 1993 when train services on this crucial section were abruptly halted, leaving countless villages and towns disconnected from the broader rail network.

For three decades, commuters faced the arduous task of relying on road transport, often a longer and more inconvenient journey. But now, the Central Railway has heralded a new dawn, reintroducing passenger services with the launch of a Daily DEMU (Diesel Electric Multiple Unit) train.

This much-anticipated service operates as train number 07820, departing from Latur Road station at 6:45 AM.

It gracefully navigates through key junctions, reaching Pangaon at 7:06 AM, Janwal at 7:16 AM, and Gandhinagar Latur at 7:26 AM. The journey continues to Harangul at 7:48 AM, returning to Latur Road at 8:05 AM. The train then proceeds to Ghatnandur at 8:26 AM, Dhoki at 8:36 AM, and reaches Murud at 8:51 AM.

After a brief stop, it moves on to Hazur Sahib Nanded, arriving at 11:25 AM, and finally culminates its journey at Mudkhed by 12:00 PM.

The return leg, train number 07819, commences its journey from Mudkhed at 12:45 PM. It makes its way back through the picturesque landscape, reaching Hazur Sahib Nanded at 1:15 PM and Murud at 3:10 PM.

Further stops include Dhoki at 3:25 PM, Ghatnandur at 3:35 PM, Latur Road at 4:05 PM, Harangul at 4:20 PM, Gandhinagar Latur at 4:40 PM, Janwal at 4:50 PM, Pangaon at 5:00 PM, and finally arrives back at Latur Road by 5:25 PM, completing its daily circuit.

The reintroduction of this service isn't just about covering distances; it's about connecting lives.

For the general public, the affordability of rail travel is a significant advantage. A journey from Latur Road to Mudkhed is priced at a mere Rs 60, making it an accessible option for daily commuters, students, traders, and families. This economical fare, combined with the convenience and comfort of a direct train, is set to revolutionize local travel and commerce.

The emotional impact on the local populace cannot be overstated.

Generations have grown up without experiencing the ease of rail travel in their own backyard. The return of the train symbolizes progress, rekindles old memories for some, and builds new ones for others. It promises to open up new avenues for economic development, enhance connectivity to educational and healthcare facilities, and integrate these communities more closely with the rest of Maharashtra.

This initiative by the Central Railway is a beacon of hope and a testament to persistent efforts.

It marks the end of a long wait and the beginning of a vibrant new chapter for the Latur Road-Mudkhed rail route, solidifying its place once again as a vital artery in the region's transportation network.