- By Imran Zafar
- Wed, 11 Dec 2024 02:05 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express may soon extend connectivity to Varanasi, passing through Ayodhya. The Railway Board has approved a survey to evaluate the feasibility of extending the semi-high-speed train to Banaras, which is currently operating between Meerut and Lucknow.
The Railway Board has sought a feasibility report for three potential rail routes connecting Lucknow and Varanasi. The report will consider survey results, operational timings, halts and fares before finalising the route. This move follows demands by Rajya Sabha MP Laxmikant Bajpai, Meerut Lok Sabha MP Arun Govil and others urging Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav to extend the service to Varanasi.
Meerut -Lucknow Vande Bharat Proposed Rail Routes
Currently, the Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat, launched on August 31, faces low passenger occupancy, with half the seats often vacant due to its high fare. To boost ridership, three routes between Lucknow and Banaras are being evaluated:
Lucknow via Sultanpur: The shortest route with the highest train traffic.
Lucknow via Ayodhya: Connecting Meerut with two religious cities, Varanasi and Ayodhya.
Lucknow via Rae Bareli, Amethi, Pratapgarh-Janghai: Recently upgraded and used by several long-distance trains.
A memorandum was submitted to the Railway Minister by representatives from Meerut, stating the need for connectivity with Varanasi. These representatives highlighted that the Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat is facing low occupancy, stating that over 50 per cent of seats remained vacant daily between December 11 and December 14. Many passengers opt for the Rajya Rani Express, which departs shortly after Vande Bharat and offers significantly lower fares.
The Railway Board’s survey aims to address these issues by tapping into the religious tourism potential of Varanasi. If implemented, the extension is expected to attract more passengers and fill vacant seats, enhancing the train’s utility and revenue.