Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw Inaugurates Dohrighat–Mau–Aunrihar Passenger Train, Announces Major Rail Developments in Uttar Pradesh

New passenger train service enhances connectivity in Purvanchal region; plans unveiled for network expansion and infrastructure modernization

In a significant development for rail connectivity in eastern Uttar Pradesh, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, virtually flagged off the Dohrighat–Mau–Aunrihar passenger train service. The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior government officials, including Uttar Pradesh Cabinet Minister Shri Arvind Kumar Sharma and Member of Parliament Shri Rajeev Rai, alongside senior railway executives.

The introduction of this train service marks a strategic effort to improve daily rail travel for residents of Mau, Ghazipur, and adjoining districts, addressing long-standing demands for direct and affordable connectivity. The new train halts at key stations including Sadat, Jakhanian, Dullahapur, Mau, Indara, Kopaganj, Ghosi, Amila, and Muradpur, facilitating enhanced regional mobility. Plans are underway to extend the service to Varanasi, a major cultural and commercial hub, further integrating Purvanchal with broader state and national rail networks.

The train operates with an eight-coach rake comprising passenger coaches designed to ensure comfortable and convenient travel for daily commuters, students, traders, and pilgrims. This initiative is expected to bolster local trade, tourism, education, and employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic development of the region.

Expansion of Rail Connectivity and Infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh

During his address, Shri Vaishnaw announced the forthcoming introduction of a new express train service connecting Purvanchal directly with Delhi via the northern Ganga corridor. The proposed route will link Chhapra, Ballia, Mau, Azamgarh, Shahganj, Jaunpur, Sultanpur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Aligarh, Ghaziabad, and Anand Vihar, thereby enhancing long-distance travel options and economic linkages between eastern Uttar Pradesh and the national capital region.

The Minister also highlighted the historic gauge conversion of the Indara–Dohrighat line, originally constructed in 1904 as a metre-gauge track. This line was converted to broad gauge following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s administration assuming office in 2014, reflecting a broader national push to upgrade and modernize railway infrastructure. The conversion has enabled improved rail services and operational efficiency in eastern Uttar Pradesh, with new train services inaugurated on the route in December 2023.

Investment in Uttar Pradesh’s railway infrastructure has witnessed a substantial increase over the past decade. From an allocation of ₹1,109 crore in 2014, the railway budget for the state has expanded to approximately ₹20,012 crore. Currently, projects valued at around ₹1.2 lakh crore are underway, representing an unprecedented scale of railway development in the state’s history.

Key Projects and Future Prospects

Shri Vaishnaw outlined several major infrastructure projects in progress, including the development of four-line corridors south of the Ganga along the Prayagraj–Kanpur–Agra–Delhi route and a similar corridor north of the Ganga connecting Delhi with Bihar and the Northeast through key junctions such as Ghaziabad, Moradabad, Bareilly, Sitapur, Gonda, and Gorakhpur.

Ongoing new line and doubling projects in the region include Chitauni–Tamkuhi Road, Anand Nagar–Ghughli, Sahjanwa–Dohrighat, Bahraich–Khalilabad, Gorakhpur–Valmiki Nagar doubling, Burhwal–Gonda third line, Katra–Ayodhya doubling, Aunrihar–Varanasi third line, Mathura–Jhansi third line, Agra Fort–Bandikui doubling, Chopan–Chunar doubling, and Prayagraj–Manikpur third line. Additionally, a new bridge is under construction near Namo Ghat over the Ganga at Varanasi, designed to carry four railway lines on its lower deck and a six-lane highway above, replacing the aging Malviya Bridge.

These projects are expected to transform Uttar Pradesh’s railway landscape, enabling the operation of at least 500 new trains in the near future and significantly enhancing capacity and connectivity.

Station Modernization and Service Enhancements

Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 157 stations across Uttar Pradesh are being redeveloped, with 28 stations already completed. In the Purvanchal region, redevelopment work is ongoing at Mau, Ghazipur City, and Dildarnagar stations, aiming to improve passenger amenities and station infrastructure.

Post-pandemic, Uttar Pradesh has seen the introduction of approximately 58 new train services and the extension of 568 existing services. The state currently operates 40 Amrit Bharat Express services and 32 Vande Bharat trains. Notably, the Anand Vihar–Mau service commenced in February 2021, with new services from Mau to Mumbai launched in December 2023.

To enhance safety and traffic flow, construction of underpasses at three critical locations (14C, 25C, and 27C) has been prioritized, with directives issued for expedited completion.

Bullet Train Corridor and Vision for Future Connectivity

Highlighting the government’s commitment to high-speed rail, Shri Vaishnaw shared details of the Bullet Train Corridor for Uttar Pradesh, announced in the Union Budget. The corridor will connect Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Varanasi, and Ayodhya, with proposed travel times of under four hours between Delhi and Varanasi and less than three hours to Ayodhya. Additional links include Lucknow to Prayagraj, Varanasi, and Ayodhya, with travel times ranging from 35 minutes to 1 hour 21 minutes.

The bullet train network aims to integrate Uttar Pradesh with the Northeast’s Ashta Lakshmi states, fostering regional development and connectivity. Shri Vaishnaw emphasized that the service will be affordable for the middle class and ordinary citizens, supporting Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a developed Uttar Pradesh and a developed India.

These initiatives collectively underscore Indian Railways’ strategic focus on expanding and modernizing rail infrastructure in Uttar Pradesh, enhancing passenger convenience, and fostering economic growth through improved connectivity.