The Ministry of Railways has officially sanctioned the construction of a third railway line between Aunrihar Junction and Varanasi City. This 31.36-kilometer project is designed to tackle the heavy traffic congestion on one of the busiest corridors of the North Eastern Railway (NER) zone. With an estimated investment of ₹497.07 crore, the new track will span across the Varanasi and Ghazipur districts of Eastern Uttar Pradesh.
What are the key details and technical specifications of the project?
The project follows the national 52 Reforms in 52 Weeks roadmap announced by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The existing double line is currently operating at 87.93% capacity, and the addition of a third line will push the capacity to over 102%, allowing for significant future growth in rail traffic. The new track will be fully electrified and built as a bi-directional line to ensure maximum operational flexibility.
| Project Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Length | 31.36 Kilometers |
| Sanctioned Cost | ₹497.07 Crore |
| Location | Varanasi and Ghazipur Districts |
| Freight Growth | 1.99 MTPA additional capacity |
| Daily Train Increase | 7.13 trains per direction |
How will the 3rd line impact passengers and regional freight?
The primary goal of this expansion is to improve punctuality and reduce the waiting time for both express and local trains. By providing a dedicated path for overflow traffic, the project will ensure smoother travel for millions of passengers who use this corridor daily. Furthermore, the line will support the local economy by enhancing the movement of essential goods such as cement, coal, food grains, and steel. Construction is also expected to generate significant local employment opportunities during the execution phase.