Mathura-Aligarh Direct Rail Link: Final Survey Underway
Commuters traveling between Mathura and Aligarh may soon have a much easier journey. Indian Railways has officially commenced the final location survey for a proposed new railway line that will provide direct connectivity between these two prominent cities in Uttar Pradesh.
The project is designed to bridge the approximately 60-kilometer distance that currently poses logistical challenges for thousands of daily travelers. The proposed route is expected to connect via Medu Junction, situated within the North-Eastern Railway's Mathura-Kasganj section.
A Push from Local Representatives
The movement for this rail link has gained significant momentum following intense advocacy by local leaders. On September 14, 2026, Mathura Member of Parliament Hema Malini formally submitted a proposal for the line to the General Manager of North Central Railway.
The proposal was further discussed during a crucial meeting on October 9, 2026, between Naresh Pal Singh, General Manager of North Central Railway, and several Members of Parliament from the Agra division, including Aligarh MP Satish Gautam and Hathras MP Anoop Pradhan. Shortly after, on October 11, 2026, Janardan Sharma, representing Hema Malini, confirmed that the survey process was officially underway.
Status of Approval and Budget
While the commencement of the final location survey is a vital procedural step, railway officials have clarified that the project has not yet received its formal final approval. Key details, such as the total budget allocation and the specific construction timeline, will remain pending until the survey results are fully processed and reviewed.
Possible Vande Bharat Extension
In addition to the new line, there is growing interest in enhancing existing services. Railway authorities indicated that the potential extension of the Agra-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express to Mathura is currently under consideration. However, this expansion is contingent upon the availability of adequate maintenance facilities at Mathura station to support the high-speed service.