New Dohrighat–Aunrihar passenger service expected to boost regional connectivity, tourism and daily mobility across eastern Uttar Pradesh

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Sunday virtually flagged off the new Dohrighat–Aunrihar Passenger Train, strengthening rail connectivity across the Purvanchal region of Uttar Pradesh.

The new daily passenger service has been introduced to improve affordable and comfortable travel access for residents of Mau and Ghazipur districts while supporting tourism, trade, education and regional mobility.

During the launch event, the Railway Minister also announced that the passenger train service will soon be extended till Varanasi and revealed plans for a new express train connecting Purvanchal with Delhi.

Key Highlights

• New Dohrighat–Aunrihar Passenger Train flagged off
• Train to soon be extended till Varanasi
• New Delhi-bound express train for Purvanchal announced
• Rail service to improve connectivity across Mau and Ghazipur districts
• 8-coach passenger train designed for daily commuters
• Railway projects worth ₹1.2 lakh crore underway in Uttar Pradesh
• Bullet train corridor for Uttar Pradesh progressing rapidly

New Passenger Train to Improve Regional Connectivity

The newly launched Aunrihar–Dohrighat–Aunrihar passenger service will halt at:

• Sadat
• Jakhanian
• Dullahapur
• Mau
• Indara
• Kopaganj
• Ghosi
• Amila
• Muradpur

The train will operate with an eight-coach rake aimed at providing affordable and convenient travel for daily passengers across eastern Uttar Pradesh.

According to Indian Railways, the service addresses a long-pending demand for direct daily rail connectivity in the region.

Varanasi Extension Expected to Boost Tourism and Pilgrimage Travel

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the new passenger train service will soon be extended to Varanasi, one of India’s biggest spiritual, tourism and commercial destinations.

The move is expected to improve accessibility for:

• Pilgrims
• Students
• Traders
• Daily commuters
• Domestic tourists

Improved rail access to Varanasi could also support hospitality businesses, hotels and local tourism operators in the region, particularly during religious festivals and peak travel seasons.

New Express Train to Connect Purvanchal with Delhi

Responding to growing demand for better connectivity between eastern Uttar Pradesh and the national capital, the Railway Minister announced a new express train route linking:

• Chhapra
• Ballia
• Mau
• Azamgarh
• Shahganj
• Jaunpur
• Sultanpur
• Lucknow
• Kanpur
• Aligarh
• Ghaziabad
• Anand Vihar

The upcoming train is expected to strengthen connectivity between Purvanchal and Delhi while improving travel convenience for business travellers, migrant workers, students and tourists.

Historic Gauge Conversion Project Highlighted

Vaishnaw noted that the historic Indara–Dohrighat metre gauge line, originally built in 1904, has now been converted into broad gauge under Indian Railways’ modernisation push.

The Minister stated that Prime Minister Narendra Modi had flagged off services on the converted line in December 2023.

Massive Railway Infrastructure Push in Uttar Pradesh

The Railway Minister said Uttar Pradesh’s railway budget allocation has increased significantly from ₹1,109 crore in 2014 to nearly ₹20,012 crore currently.

According to the Ministry, railway projects worth around ₹1.2 lakh crore are presently under execution across the state.

Major infrastructure projects underway include:

• Aunrihar–Varanasi 3rd line
• Prayagraj–Manikpur 3rd line
• Chopan–Chunar doubling
• Katra–Ayodhya doubling
• Burhwal–Gonda 3rd line
• Mathura–Jhansi 3rd line

The Minister also highlighted construction of a new multi-level bridge near Namo Ghat in Varanasi, featuring four railway lines and a six-lane highway.

Amrit Bharat Stations and High-Speed Rail Plans

Indian Railways said 157 Indian Railways stations are being redeveloped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme in Uttar Pradesh, including Mau, Ghazipur City and Dildarnagar stations in the Purvanchal region.

The Railway Minister also reiterated progress on the proposed bullet train corridor connecting Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Patna and Siliguri.

Projected travel times on the proposed corridor include:

• Delhi–Lucknow: 2 hours 12 minutes
• Delhi–Varanasi: 3 hours 33 minutes
• Lucknow–Varanasi: 1 hour 21 minutes
• Lucknow–Ayodhya: 35 minutes

The proposed high-speed rail network is expected to significantly improve inter-city tourism, business travel and regional connectivity across northern and eastern India.