Tourists can now experience the pleasures of Narrow Gauge railway travel in airconditioned comfort. Western Railway is set to resume Bilimora-Waghai Narrow Gauge train services from 4th September 2021, announced Minister of State for Railways Darshana Jardosh.
The train will feature an air-conditioned tourist coach in addition to the standard unreserved second class coaches. The coach can carry 15 passengers. Seats will be open for reservation on IRCTC and nominated PRS counters from 3rd September 2021, according to Western Railway CPRO Sumit Thakur.
The 108-year-old Bilimora-Waghai Narrow Gauge route was declared shut for traffic last year. However, in a change of heart, Indian Railways has chosen to declare it as a heritage section and revive the line.
Part of the Gaekwad’s Baroda State Railway (GBSR). the line became part of Western Railway after GBSR and other railways were merged with WR. The line passes through forest areas and provides connectivity to Saputara Hill range, a popular tourist destination. It has cultural as well as economical significance for the tribal community residing nearby.
Special Features of the AC Tourist Coach on the Bilimora-Waghai Narrow Gauge AC Tourist Coach
- Air Conditioning with capacity of 04 tonnes, designed to ensure passenger comfort.
- Exteriors feature Warli paintings representing the cultural landscape of the region.
- Capacity of 15 passengers, in 2+1 configuration.
- Each chair provided with individual snacks table.
- Provision of calling bell for hailing the attendants, matching the world class state of art.
- Western style lavatory with automatic odour control system
- Two fire extinguisher of 06 kg capacity each.
Bilimora-Waghai Narrow Gauge Service Schedule
The train will halt at Gandevi, Chikhli Road, Rankuva, Dholikuva, Anaval, Unai and Vansada Road, Kevdi Road, Kala-Amba and Dungarda stations in both directions.
Train No. 09501 Bilimora – Waghai Special train will depart from Bilimora at 10.20 hrs daily and will reach Waghai at 13.20hrs, the same day. Similarly, Train No. 09502 Waghai– Bilimora Special train will depart from Waghai at 14.30 hrs on all days and will reach Bilimora at 17.35 hrs, on the same day. Both these trains will run regularly from Saturday, 4th September 2021, till further orders.