Varanasi: Varanasi is set to become a key destination on India’s proposed high-speed rail network, with Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announcing the approval of the North Corridor bullet train project. The proposed corridor will connect Delhi, Agra, Kanpur, Lucknow, Ayodhya, Varanasi and Prayagraj, significantly reducing travel time between major cities in northern India.
Announcing the development at Varanasi Cantt railway station on Thursday, Vaishnaw said the Delhi-Varanasi journey would take just 3 hours and 33 minutes once the bullet train service becomes operational. The proposed network will subsequently extend towards Patna, Siliguri and Guwahati.
According to the minister, the high-speed rail project will be developed under the Make in India initiative, with Indian engineers, skilled workers and artisans contributing to its construction.
The proposed travel times include 1 hour 45 minutes between Delhi and Kanpur, 2 hours 12 minutes between Delhi and Lucknow, 1 hour 21 minutes between Lucknow and Varanasi, and 59 minutes between Delhi and Agra. The journey from Kashi to Patna is also expected to take approximately one hour.
The announcement came during the inauguration of a new Vande Bharat Sleeper train between New Delhi and Varanasi and 10 new MEMU services. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined the railway minister in flagging off the new services.
Vaishnaw said the railway budget allocation for Uttar Pradesh had increased from approximately Rs 1,000 crore to Rs 20,000 crore, an 18-fold rise, under the present government.
Highlighting the features of the new Vande Bharat Sleeper train, the minister said special attention had been given to passenger comfort and staff facilities. The train includes dedicated berths for overnight working staff, an onboard toilet facility for the locomotive pilot and redesigned ladders for accessing middle and upper berths to improve passenger safety.
The new sleeper service will connect Varanasi with Prayagraj, Kanpur, Aligarh and Ghaziabad before reaching New Delhi, offering passengers an enhanced overnight travel experience.
10 New MEMU Services for Daily Commuters
The railway minister also announced 10 new MEMU services to improve suburban and regional connectivity around Varanasi. Eight services will connect stations including Banaras City, Banaras, Varanasi Cantt, Bhullanpur, Hardattpur and Rajatalab.
Two additional services will connect Varanasi with Prayagraj through Prayagraj Rambagh, Jhunsi, Handia Khas, Gyanpur Road and Madhosingh.
The new services are also expected to provide affordable travel options for students, small traders and daily commuters. A monthly season ticket (MST) from Banaras City to Rajatalab will cost Rs 95, while the monthly pass between Kashi and Prayagraj Rambagh will be available for Rs 220.
The proposed bullet train corridor, alongside the new Vande Bharat Sleeper and MEMU services, is expected to strengthen rail connectivity across Uttar Pradesh and improve access to major educational, commercial and religious centres.
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