In a significant move to transform rail infrastructure in one of India's holiest cities, Indian Railways is crafting a comprehensive master plan for the integrated development of Varanasi's three major railway stations. This ambitious initiative, announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, targets a substantial 25 percent increase in daily train departure capacity.
Boosting Capacity for the Spiritual Capital
The master plan focuses on the holistic development of Kashi, Varanasi Cantt, and Banaras stations. Minister Vaishnaw, who was in Varanasi for Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagging off ceremony of four new Vande Bharat trains, personally inspected all three stations following the inauguration. He conducted a thorough review of ongoing construction works and assessed passenger amenities to understand the scope of improvements needed.
During his inspection, the minister revealed that these stations currently handle approximately 150 train departures daily. The new master plan aims to dramatically scale this number up. "To increase this capacity from 400 to 500 trains, the Railways is working on a master plan for the integrated development of Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi Cantt Railway Station, and Varanasi Railway Station," Vaishnaw stated, according to an official release. This indicates a planned operational capacity far exceeding current usage, preparing the city for future growth.
High-Level Reviews and Factory Inspection
The push for modernization is being closely monitored at the highest levels of the railway administration. Just a day before the minister's visit, Railway Board Chairperson and CEO Satish Kumar also inspected the development works at Varanasi Railway Station. He chaired a review meeting with officials to ensure the projects stay on track, underscoring the importance the national transporter places on this upgrade.
Following his station visits, Minister Vaishnaw extended his inspection to the Banaras Rail Engine Factory (BARECA). There, he conducted a detailed walkthrough of key production units, including the Loco Frame Shop, Loco Assembly Shop, and Loco Test Shop. The minister obtained technical briefings on the manufacturing processes, linking the factory's output to the broader goal of enhancing rail services across the region.
A Day of Major Launches
The announcement of the master plan coincided with a landmark event for Indian Railways. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains, further cementing Varanasi's status as a key rail hub. The newly launched semi-high-speed services are:
- Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat
- Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat
- Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat
- Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat
These new trains are expected to significantly reduce travel times between major destinations, enhance regional connectivity, promote tourism, and stimulate economic activity. With these additions, the total count of Vande Bharat train services operating across the country has risen to an impressive 164.
The integrated master plan for Varanasi's stations, combined with the introduction of new high-speed trains, represents a dual-pronged strategy by Indian Railways. It aims not only to expand hard infrastructure capacity but also to upgrade the quality of travel, positioning Varanasi as a modern, well-connected spiritual and economic center ready for the future.
