Gujarat Welcomes Amrit Bharat Express Amidst Congress Protest for Unjha Halt

Ahmedabad bore witness to a significant moment in Indian Railways history as the Amrit Bharat Express, a new-age non-AC sleeper-cum-general coach train, was officially flagged off. This much-anticipated service connects Ahmedabad to the revered pilgrimage city of Dwarka, promising enhanced connectivity for countless passengers.

The inauguration was conducted virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw physically present to mark the occasion.

However, the celebratory atmosphere at Ahmedabad's Kalupur railway station was tinged with political dissent. Even as the new train embarked on its inaugural journey, a group of Congress leaders staged a protest, demanding a crucial halt for the Amrit Bharat Express at Unjha railway station.

Leading the charge were former Unjha MLA Dr. C.J. Chavda and Gujarat Pradesh Congress Committee (GPCC) spokesperson Ashish Patel, alongside other party members.

Their demand was rooted in the strategic importance of Unjha, which they highlighted as a vital pilgrim center, housing the revered Umiya Mata temple, and a bustling business hub known for its spice market.

The leaders passionately argued that a halt at Unjha would significantly benefit thousands of devotees, traders, and local residents who frequently travel between these key locations. They asserted that bypassing Unjha would deny essential connectivity to a substantial section of the populace.

The protesting Congress leaders attempted to submit a memorandum outlining their demands directly to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was present at the flagging-off ceremony.

However, their efforts were thwarted by local police. Before they could reach the minister, Dr. C.J. Chavda, Ashish Patel, and several other Congress workers were detained by the police, effectively preventing them from presenting their case directly to the central government representative.

This incident underscores the ongoing dialogue between national infrastructure projects and local community needs.

While the Amrit Bharat Express represents a significant step towards modernizing and expanding India's railway network, particularly for the common traveler with its focus on non-AC coaches, the protest in Gujarat highlights the persistent call for equitable access and customized services that cater to regional specificities and passenger demands.

The Amrit Bharat Express is one of ten new Vande Bharat and Amrit Bharat trains inaugurated by the Prime Minister, signaling a broader vision for enhanced rail connectivity across the nation.

The Ahmedabad-Dwarka route is expected to bolster tourism and economic activity along its path, even as the call for additional halts, such as at Unjha, continues to echo from local political voices.