The Hazrat Nizamuddin–Thiruvananthapuram Rajdhani Express made its first scheduled stop at Sawantwadi railway station in six years on Wednesday, receiving a warm welcome from local residents and members of the Konkan Railway Passengers’ Association.
The halt, which had been withdrawn during the Covid-19 pandemic, has now been restored following years of efforts by passenger groups and public representatives.
As the Rajdhani Express arrived at Sawantwadi station at 9.44 am, members of the Konkan Railway Passengers’ Association organised a traditional welcome ceremony.
The celebrations included an aarti, prayers and the garlanding of the train. Bouquets were presented to both locomotive pilots in appreciation of their contribution to safe railway operations.
Sweets were also distributed among passengers and local residents to mark the occasion.
Halt restored after long campaign
The Rajdhani Express and the Garib Rath Express had stopped halting at Sawantwadi during the Covid-19 pandemic because of operational and safety considerations.
The withdrawal of these stops had caused inconvenience to passengers from the region, who had repeatedly demanded their restoration.
According to Mihir Mathkar, Secretary of the Konkan Railway Passengers’ Association, the return of the Rajdhani Express halt was made possible through the joint efforts of elected representatives and the association.
Association members said they hoped the station would continue to be upgraded with improved passenger amenities.
Vice-President Sagar Talawadekar noted that the station has been named Lok Nete Madhu Dandavate Terminus and expressed hope that it would be developed to reflect the legacy of the veteran leader.
Community joins the celebration
The event was attended by office-bearers of the Konkan Railway Passengers’ Association, members of the Malgaon Rickshaw Association and a large number of local residents.
Among those present were senior adviser Subhash Shirsat, treasurer Bhushan Bandivadekar, Siddhesh Sawant, Mihir Gawde, Yash Sawant, Sanket Sawant, Sarita Sawant, Prerana Pokale, Nidhi Dhuri and Karan Dhuri.
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