Connectivity Crisis in Saurashtra Shaktisinh Gohil’s Bold Solution for Bhavnagar’s Transport Woes:

In a heated Rajya Sabha session on March 11, 2026, senior Congress leader and Member of Parliament Shaktisinh Gohil raised serious concerns over the systematic neglect of Bhavnagar, one of Gujarat’s most vital economic and religious hubs. Highlighting a "double-blow" of transport failures, Gohil pointed out that while the city's airport remains non-operational, its rail link to the national capital is virtually non-existent.

The Airport Lockdown

Gohil revealed that Bhavnagar Airport is currently completely non-operational, with no commercial flights serving the city. This shutdown has severed the region's air link to the rest of India, forcing business travelers from the Alang ship-breaking yard and diamond industries, as well as pilgrims heading to the sacred Jain temples of Palitana, to undertake long road journeys to Ahmedabad or Surat just to catch a flight.

A Proposed Solution for Rail Woes

The MP also criticized the absence of a direct train to Delhi. Despite Bhavnagar being a divisional headquarters for the Western Railway, residents must change trains at multiple junctions. Gohil proposed a surprisingly simple, low-cost solution:

The "Idle Rake" Strategy: He pointed out that the rake for the weekly Bhavnagar-Ayodhya Express (19201/19202) currently sits idle at Bhavnagar Station for four days every week.

The Demand: Gohil urged the Ministry of Railways to utilize this idle resource to run a weekly direct service to New Delhi (Shakur Basti) without the need for additional coaches or engines.

Why It Matters

Bhavnagar isn't just another city; it is a pillar of Saurashtra’s economy. The lack of infrastructure is reportedly stalling regional growth:

Industry: The world-famous Alang ship-breaking yard and the local diamond industry require frequent travel by experts and investors.

Tourism: Thousands of pilgrims visit the Shatrunjaya hills in Palitana; the lack of direct connectivity makes it a difficult pilgrimage for those coming from North India.

Education & Jobs: Students and government officials are frequently disadvantaged by the extra 5–8 hours added to their travel time due to poor connectivity.

Ray of Hope: IndiGo’s Upcoming Service

While the political debate rages, there is a small light at the end of the tunnel. IndiGo recently announced that it will strengthen its network by launching twice-daily direct flights between Bhavnagar and Navi Mumbai starting March 29, 2026. While this helps the Mumbai link, it does not solve the Delhi connectivity issue raised by Gohil.