Western Railway to restart Bilimora-Waghai Narrow Gauge train services from September 4

The train has capacity of 15 passengers, in 2+1 configuration. Pics courtesy/ Rajendra B Aklekar

The Western Railway (WR) will restart the Bilimora-Waghai Narrow Gauge train services from September 4.

Minister of State for Railways Darshana Jardosh on Wednesday made the announcement looking into the many problems faced by the tribal people and local residents in Dang district of Gujarat due to the closure of trains for a long time due to Covid-19.

Accordingly, WR is all geared to restart the Bilimora - Waghai narrow gauge heritage section and the train services will resume from Saturday, September 4.

According to Sumit Thakur, Chief Public Relations Officer of Western Railway, Train No. 09501 Bilimora - Waghai Special train will depart from Bilimora at 10.20 am on all days and will reach Waghai at 1.20 pm, the same day. Similarly, Train No. 09502 Waghai- Bilimora Special train will depart from Waghai at 2.30 pm on all days and will reach Bilimora at 5.35 pm, on the same day.

The coaches have Warli paintings on the exterior, which represent the cultural landscape of the region

Also Read: 46 Mumbai stations now eco-smart, can collect instant fines from polluters

Enroute this train will halt at Gandevi, Chikhli Road, Rankuva, Dholikuva, Anaval, Unai and Vansada Road, Kevdi Road, Kala-Amba and Dungarda stations in both directions. This train comprises of unreserved Second-Class Seating coaches as well as a fully reserved AC Tourist coach.

"Bilimora - Waghai narrow gauge is a heritage section which has completed more than 100 years. This section was part of the Gaekwad's Baroda State Railway (GBSR). After independence, GBSR was merged and became part of Western Railway. The Bilimora - Waghai rail line passes through forest area having rich flora fauna and provides connectivity to Saputara Hill range, which is a very popular hill station and tourist destination. This rail also has cultural as well as economic significance for the tribal community residing nearby," said Thakur.

The train has air conditioning system with capacity of 4 tonnes

The booking of the AC Tourist coach of Train Nos. 09501 & 09502 will open on September 3, with advance reservation period of 7 days, at nominated PRS counters and IRCTC website.

The AC tourist coach has been equipped with modern interiors and amenities with following features:

• Air Conditioning system with capacity of 4 tonnes, sufficiently designed keeping in mind the comfort of passenger
• Warli paintings on the exterior, which represent the cultural landscape of the region, while adding to beautification of the coaches
• Capacity of 15 passengers, in 2+1 configuration
• Each chair provided with individual snacks table
• Provision of calling bell for hailing the attendants
• Western-style lavatory with automatic odour control system
• Two fire extinguishers of 6 kg capacity each