Kalpa Media House | Bahraich(Uttar Pradesh) |
Indian Railways : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, Domariyaganj MP Jagdambika Pal, Bahraich MP Dr. Anand Kumar Gond and other dignitaries, inaugurated the gauge conversion and electrification of the 56.15-km Nepalganj Road–Nanpara–Bahraich railway section.
The project, completed at an estimated cost of ₹730 crore, has converted the existing metre-gauge section into Broad Gauge and electrified the entire route. Four existing train services have also been extended up to Nepalganj Road, significantly improving rail connectivity in the border region.
The programme began with a tribute to the victims of the recent floods and natural disaster in Nepal. All dignitaries and participants observed two minutes of silence in memory of those who lost their lives.
India Stands with Nepal, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw
Expressing concern over the situation in neighbouring Nepal, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said India and Nepal share strong cultural and historical ties.
He conveyed condolences to the families affected by the natural disaster and said the Government of India was making every possible effort to extend assistance to those affected.
Vaishnaw also said the Railways was making arrangements for passengers rescued from affected areas of Nepal and arriving in India. Special coaches and other necessary facilities have been arranged to help them reach their respective destinations.
The Railway Board is coordinating with railway zones, district and state authorities, as well as the Ministry of External Affairs, to facilitate the safe movement and return of passengers affected by the situation in Nepal, he said.
Yogi Adityanath Expresses Condolences
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also expressed his condolences over the recent natural disaster in Nepal.
He said the tragedy had affected not only the friendly nation of Nepal but also people in several countries, including India. He extended his sympathies to the families who lost their loved ones in the disaster.
1886 Metre-Gauge Route Now Part of Broad Gauge Network
The Nepalganj Road–Nanpara–Bahraich metre-gauge railway section was originally constructed in 1886. With the completion of gauge conversion and electrification, the historic railway section has now become an integral part of India’s Broad Gauge railway network.
The upgraded line will provide improved connectivity to Bahraich, Risiya, Matera, Nanpara, Babaganj and Nepalganj Road railway stations.
Speaking at the inauguration, Ashwini Vaishnaw said the conversion of the section has connected the region with the wider railway network of the country. He added that the Broad Gauge conversion programme is nearing completion across the country.
Indian Railways : Four Train Services Extended to Nepalganj Road
To further improve passenger connectivity, the Ministry of Railways has approved the extension of four existing train services up to Nepalganj Road.
These include:
- 14213/14214 Varanasi–Bahraich Express
- 15132/15131 Varanasi City–Gorakhpur Express
- 75109/75110 Gonda–Bahraich train service
- 75111/75112 Gonda–Bahraich train service
With the extension of these services, passengers from Nepalganj Road and surrounding areas will get direct rail connectivity to Gonda, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and other major cities.
The move fulfils a long-standing demand of the people of the region and is expected to improve access to major urban and economic centres.
The enhanced connectivity will also benefit people from neighbouring Nepal travelling through the border region for employment, education, healthcare, trade and other purposes.
Decades-Old Demand Fulfilled
Yogi Adityanath said the inauguration of the upgraded railway section and the extension of four train services marked the fulfilment of a decades-old demand of the people of the region.
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He said the improved rail connectivity would strengthen links between Bahraich, Rupaidiha and Nepalganj, providing greater convenience to people on both sides of the international border.
Boost to Bahraich’s Socio-Economic Development
The completion of the gauge conversion project in the border area of aspirational district Bahraich is expected to provide a major boost to the region’s socio-economic development.
Improved rail connectivity will facilitate the movement of people and goods and promote trade, employment, tourism, and social and cultural activities.
The direct Broad Gauge connection will also provide local producers with better access to wider markets and strengthen economic links between border areas and major cities in Uttar Pradesh and other parts of the country.
The upgraded railway infrastructure is expected to create new opportunities for local communities and contribute to the overall development of Bahraich and neighbouring areas.
Electrification to Reduce Dependence on Diesel
Electrification of the railway section will enable the operation of electric locomotive-hauled trains, reducing dependence on diesel traction.
The move is also expected to help reduce carbon emissions and improve energy efficiency, in line with Indian Railways’ efforts towards more environmentally sustainable railway operations.
Rail Network in Purvanchal to Be Strengthened
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said comprehensive planning is underway to strengthen the railway network across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the Purvanchal region.
He said seven major railway networks are being strengthened through the addition of third and fourth lines wherever double-line sections already exist.
He highlighted the Delhi–Ghaziabad–Moradabad–Sitapur–Burhwal–Gonda–Gorakhpur railway network serving Purvanchal and said the Delhi–Gonda section has already been approved.
High-Speed Rail to Transform Connectivity
Vaishnaw further said the development of high-speed rail connectivity would bring a major transformation to travel across Uttar Pradesh and North India.
According to the proposed high-speed rail connectivity, travel times are expected to reduce significantly. The proposed journey times include:
- Delhi–Agra: 58 minutes
- Delhi–Kanpur: 1 hour 45 minutes
- Delhi–Lucknow: 2 hours 12 minutes
- Delhi–Prayagraj: Around 3 hours
- Delhi–Varanasi: Around 3.5 hours
He further said the proposed connectivity would eventually extend towards Patna. The approximately 1,170-km Delhi–Patna journey could be completed in around four and a half hours, significantly reducing travel time between major cities of Uttar Pradesh and other parts of North India.
The completion of the Nepalganj Road–Nanpara–Bahraich Broad Gauge and electrification project, along with the extension of long-distance train services, marks a significant milestone in strengthening rail connectivity in the border region.
The project is expected to connect the region more effectively with major cities across the country while creating new opportunities for economic, social, tourism and cultural development.
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