• Source:JND
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BJP MP Arun Govil and Uttar Pradesh Minister of State Kapil Dev Agarwal flagged off the extended Meerut-Varansi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22489/22490) from Hapur Junction. The Indian Railways has extended the train’s route up to Varanasi via Shri Ayodhya Dham, following the approval of Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.

As part of the extension, a two-minute halt has been added at Hapur railway station, enhancing connectivity for passengers from Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Shamli, and nearby districts. This development comes after a formal request by Minister Kapil Dev Agarwal, who also serves as the MLA from Muzaffarnagar Sadar. The move is expected to greatly benefit daily commuters and long-distance travelers in the region.

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Extended Meerut-Varansi Vande Bharat Express: Route 

Train number 22490, running from Meerut City to Varanasi, will cover a distance of 782.22 kilometers in approximately 11 hours and 55 minutes. The train is scheduled to depart from Meerut City at 6:35 AM, making stops at major stations including Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow, and Shri Ayodhya Dham, before reaching Varanasi Cantt at 6:25 PM.

For the return journey, train number 22489 will depart from Varanasi Cantt at 9:10 AM and is expected to arrive back at Meerut City by 9:05 PM, offering a convenient and efficient travel option for passengers along this extended route.

Extended Meerut-Varansi Vande Bharat Express: Expanding Network

This new addition marks the seventh Vande Bharat Express operating from Varanasi, joining existing routes that connect the city to Agra, Ranchi, Deoghar, Patna, and New Delhi. The rapid expansion of Vande Bharat services highlights Indian Railways' ongoing commitment to modernizing rail travel and strengthening links between major economic and cultural centers.

The Meerut to Varanasi Vande Bharat Express is a significant step toward enhancing intra-state connectivity across Uttar Pradesh. It is expected to make travel more efficient while boosting tourism and promoting greater business activity throughout the region.

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Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Meerut and Lucknow on August 31, 2024. However, the initial schedule did not include a stoppage at Hapur railway station, leading to disappointment among local residents. Passengers and citizens from the district raised concerns and urged BJP MP Arun Govil, former MP Rajendra Agarwal, and Minister-in-Charge Kapil Dev Agarwal to advocate for a halt at Hapur to better serve the region’s travel needs.