New train to link Rajasthan with Kerala

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR, JUNE 2. The Marusagar Express, the first train linking the desert State of Rajasthan to the southernmost State of Kerala, will commence its journey from Ernakulam on July 8. The train will make its first trip from Jaipur to Ernakulam on July 13. The train is expected to prove a boon to tourism as it connects the three most popular tourist destinations of India - Rajasthan, Goa and Kerala.

The weekly train (No.2977) is scheduled to start every Sunday at 7-30 p.m. from Ernakulam to reach Jaipur at 1-35 p.m. on Tuesday after passing through Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat and MP. From Jaipur the train (No.2978) would start every Friday at 10.05 a.m. to reach Ernakulam on Sunday at 5-45 a.m.

The new train, which fulfills the wishes of lakhs of Keralites living in Rajasthan,was announced in this year's Railway Budget presented by Ms.Mamata Banerjee. It is the result of consistent efforts made by the Rajasthan Chief Minister, Mr. Ashok Gehlot, and the local BJP MP, Mr. Girdhari Lal Bhargava. The Union Minister of State for Railways, Mr. O. Rajagopal, too contributed a lot to the realisation of the dream.

In fact the name Marusagar - which conveys the linking of the desert with the sea - was suggested to the Railway Minister by Mr. Gehlot in a letter soon after the announcement of the train. The Railway Ministry promptly accepted the name - which would be relevant even when the train is extended up to Thiruvananthapuram on the southern side and Jodhpur in the north- west.

The Divisional Railway Manager (Jaipur), Mr. Arimardhan Singh, said that the train will reach Ernakulam via Sawai Madhopur, Kota, Ratlam, Baroda, Surat, Vasi Road, Panvel, Chiploon, Ratnagiri, Thivim, Margaon, Gokarna Road, Bhatkal, Udipi, Kakadi, Kasargod, Cannore, Kozhikode, Shornur, Trichur, Alwaye and Ernakulam.

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Section  : Other States
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