The Ministry of Railways has finalised a new, economically viable route for the Vande Bharat Express, connecting Meerut to Varanasi via Lucknow and Ayodhya. This update was shared in the Rajya Sabha by MP Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai, who said the decision came following instructions from Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav. The earlier Meerut-Lucknow route was found to be financially unfeasible, prompting the proposal to extend the service to the religious hubs of Ayodhya and Varanasi for improved passenger volume and viability.
This new route will begin operations on August 25, providing a much-needed direct connection from western Uttar Pradesh to two major spiritual cities. A formal timetable is expected to be released soon. The decision is being welcomed by residents and travellers in the region, as it simplifies access to Ayodhya and Varanasi, both of which draw thousands of pilgrims and tourists annually.
Currently, Varanasi is connected to Delhi via two Vande Bharat trains and has one service to Agra. The upcoming Meerut–Lucknow–Ayodhya–Varanasi route will mark a significant step in expanding the network and improving high-speed rail connectivity across Uttar Pradesh. It also underscores Indian Railways’ push to ensure route efficiency and greater regional reach.
With this launch, the government aims to support religious tourism while optimising rail operations. The new route is expected to attract consistent ridership and reduce travel time for pilgrims, students, and business travellers alike. It reflects a strategic shift in rail planning, where financial sustainability is balanced with passenger convenience and regional development.
