The Railway Board has officially sanctioned the construction of a new rail line connecting Jeevnathpur, under the North Central Railway, and Vyas Nagar station, which falls under the Northern Railway network. This strategic infrastructure project is designed to eliminate bottlenecks, increase train speeds, and enhance overall operational efficiency in the Varanasi region. The following key developments highlight the ongoing transformation of railway connectivity in the area:
- New rail line approved between Jeevnathpur and Vyas Nagar to improve transit efficiency.
- Sanction of a 31.36 km third line between Aunrihar and Varanasi City at a cost of ₹497.07 Crore.
- Introduction of the new tri-weekly Sant Ravidas Express (14624/14623) between Chheharta and Varanasi.
- Upcoming survey work for the Siliguri-Varanasi Bullet Train Corridor starting in July 2026.
Expanding Infrastructure and Capacity
As part of a broader initiative to modernize the railway network around Varanasi, the Aunrihar to Varanasi City third line project stands out as a major milestone. Approved in February 2026, this ₹497.07 Crore investment is expected to be a game-changer for both passenger and freight movement. Once completed, the line will allow for seven additional trains in each direction daily and is projected to handle a freight growth of 1.99 million tonnes per annum. Furthermore, the Vyas Nagar station is currently undergoing extensive upgrades as part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme to provide a better passenger experience.
New Connectivity and High-Speed Prospects
To improve direct connectivity, the Railway Board has greenlit the Sant Ravidas Express (train numbers 14624/14623). This tri-weekly service will connect Chheharta (Amritsar) to Varanasi, with a virtual flag-off scheduled by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 17, 2026.
Looking toward the future of high-speed travel, the region is set to become a focal point for modern technology. Survey work for the ambitious Siliguri-Varanasi Bullet Train Corridor is slated to begin in July 2026. Simultaneously, the Delhi-Varanasi High-Speed Rail corridor remains a top priority, currently moving through the advanced planning stages following its inclusion in the Union Budget 2026-27. These projects collectively underscore Indian Railways’ commitment to transforming Varanasi into a premier national transit hub.