Bundelkhand Greets New Train With Folk Songs as Nagod–Devendranagar Service Begins

A new rail line opened in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh on October 24, a day that the local press called a milestone in the area's railway development. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Chief Minister Mohan Yadav flagged off the train on the new line.

Khajuraho MP Vishnu Datt Sharma and Gunaur MLA Rajesh Verma were among the BJP leaders and workers who rode the train from Nagod to Devendranagar. During the journey, children playing hand drums sang a Bundeli folk song, and the lawmakers joined in and clapped to encourage them. The train was given a festive welcome when it reached Devendranagar station.

Mr Sharma described the train as a Diwali gift for Bundelkhand and said it would help travel, trade, tourism and the local economy. He thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Mr Vaishnaw and Mr Yadav for the project.

The Satna–Devendranagar section is part of the Lalitpur–Singrauli new rail line project. Passengers, students, workers and traders are expected to benefit from the service.

Devendranagar lies in Panna district, which is best known for its tiger reserve and diamond mines but has had limited rail connectivity. A better rail link could help tourists reach Panna and nearby heritage sites more easily, and it could also help local farmers and small businesses reach markets in Satna and Rewa.

As with any new service, the number of daily trips, the timetable and the fares will decide how much the line is used. Travellers are advised to check the railway's latest schedule before planning a journey.