Indian Railways (IR) is formulating a master plan for the integrated development of Varanasi’s three key stations – Kashi, Varanasi Cantt, and Banaras – to enhance operational capacity and passenger convenience. The initiative aims to increase train departure capacity by about 25 per cent, improving connectivity across Uttar Pradesh and beyond.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who was in the city for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flag-off of four new Vande Bharat Express trains, inspected all three stations to review ongoing works and passenger-amenity upgrades. Currently, around 150 trains operate from the three stations daily.

Satish Kumar, Railway Board Chairperson and CEO also reviewed the progress at Varanasi Railway Station, holding discussions with senior officials on construction timelines and integrated planning.

Minister Reviews Banaras Rail Engine Factory

Following the station inspections, Vaishnaw visited the Banaras Rail Engine Factory (BARECA) to assess the Loco Frame, Assembly, and Test Shops, gathering technical details on locomotive production.

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister launched four Vande Bharat Express trains – Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru – marking another milestone in India’s modern-rail expansion. With these additions, the country now operates 164 Vande Bharat services, designed to reduce travel time, enhance regional mobility, and boost tourism and economic growth.