In the evolving narrative of Indian tourism, one name increasingly echoes through the corridors of transformation—Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister for Railways. While the spotlight often falls on hospitality or aviation, it is railways that continue to serve as the most inclusive and impactful catalyst for tourism growth. And Vaishnaw is steering this engine with both vision and velocity.
When the new Vande Bharat trains were flagged off in Jammu & Kashmir this June, it wasn’t just about faster trains or sleeker technology. “This will give a good jump to tourism,” Vaishnaw remarked simply—but meaningfully. In that one sentence lies the blueprint for a tourism-led economic model powered by smart infrastructure.
For the minister, railways are not merely a mode of transport—they are bridges to opportunity, access, and aspiration. The focus on developing terminals across the Baramulla–Jammu corridor, for instance, is as much about enabling local produce and handicrafts to reach new markets as it is about bringing tourists to unexplored valleys and towns.
In a recent update, Vaishnaw announced the introduction of 100 next-gen MEMU trains and 50 Namo Bharat trains, emphasizing short-haul regional mobility. This move goes beyond convenience—it’s a conscious inclusion of India’s Tier-II and Tier-III destinations into the national tourism map. The goal is clear: make heritage, culture, and natural beauty more reachable for both domestic and international travelers.
What sets Vaishnaw’s approach apart is the quiet shift from policy rhetoric to ground-level results. Trains no longer just connect point A to point B—they unlock circuits of tourism, clusters of artisans, pockets of economic revival.
And in all of this, his messaging is consistent: build for the people, boost for the economy, and travel for the experience.
In today’s India, where regional tourism is emerging as a powerful force, it is reassuring to see the railway ministry stepping up not just as a service provider—but as an enabler of dreams. Under Ashwini Vaishnaw, the journey of Indian tourism isn’t just about where we go, but how far we can grow.
