Pune To Receive Four New Vande Bharat Trains Boosting Connectivity
Indian Railways has announced a significant extension of the Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express, now seamlessly connecting to Varanasi Junction. This strategic expansion, set to commence from August 27, transforms the operational scope of the country’s 54th Vande Bharat Express, promising enhanced accessibility and economic impetus across a crucial corridor in Uttar Pradesh. The semi-high-speed train, which has already reported full occupancy since its inauguration in August 2024, is poised to revolutionise travel for pilgrims, tourists, students, and traders, fostering a more interconnected and sustainable regional ecosystem.
The newly extended route for train numbers 22490/22489 will see the Meerut-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express departing Meerut City at 06:35 hrs, arriving in Varanasi Junction at 18:25 hrs. For its return journey, the train will depart Varanasi Junction at 09:10 hrs, reaching Meerut City by 21:05 hrs. This meticulously planned schedule includes strategic stoppages at Moradabad Junction, Bareilly Junction, Lucknow Charbagh, and the revered Ayodhya Dham Junction. This direct connectivity, particularly for the first time between Meerut and Varanasi, bridges significant geographical and travel time gaps, offering a premium and efficient rail experience.
This extension holds profound implications for regional development, aligning with the broader vision of creating economically vibrant and accessible urban centres. By connecting Meerut, a key industrial and educational hub, with Lucknow, the state capital, and then further to the spiritual and cultural epicentres of Ayodhya and Varanasi, the Vande Bharat Express will serve as a catalyst for growth. The improved travel times and comfort are expected to significantly boost tourism, making it easier for devotees and leisure travellers to explore these historic cities. This influx of visitors can stimulate local economies, creating new opportunities for small businesses and service providers.
Beyond tourism, the enhanced accessibility to educational institutions along the route will greatly benefit students, facilitating easier commutes and promoting academic exchange. Furthermore, the train is anticipated to stimulate regional trade by offering a faster and more reliable mode of transport for goods and professionals across these vital urban and semi-urban areas. This improved logistical backbone supports local entrepreneurship and strengthens the overall economic fabric of Uttar Pradesh, contributing to a more equitable distribution of economic benefits.
Moreover, the Vande Bharat Express, with its modern electric traction and energy-efficient design, inherently supports the agenda of zero net carbon and eco-friendly cities. By encouraging a shift from more polluting modes of transport to rail, it contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality, particularly in densely populated urban corridors. The comfort and speed offered by these trains are also designed to be inclusive, making modern rail travel an attractive and viable option for a diverse demographic, thereby fostering more gender-neutral and accessible public transport systems. This strategic extension is a testament to Indian Railways’ commitment to modernising its network, not just for speed and convenience, but also for contributing to a greener, more connected, and prosperous future for the nation.
