Varanasi-Nepalgunj rail link resumes after decade-long gap
India-Nepal train service resumes on Varanasi-Nepalgunj route after nearly 10 years, with four regular trains now operating on upgraded broad-gauge track.
Cross-border rail connectivity between India and Nepal was restored on Monday after a gap of nearly a decade. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath flagged off the new broad-gauge service connecting Varanasi with Nepalgunj Road from Bahraich, while Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw joined the ceremony virtually from New Delhi.
The resumption follows the conversion of the 56-kilometre Bahraich-Nanpara-Nepalgunj section from metre gauge to broad gauge, a project completed at a cost of ₹730 crore. The upgrade replaces the older, limited network that had constrained movement and commerce in the border belt.
Speaking at the event, Adityanath said the improved rail link would strengthen cross-border trade, support local agriculture, and accelerate regional development by positioning Nanpara as a key transit hub. He also highlighted the route's potential for religious tourism, noting that it would connect cultural centres in Nepal such as Janakpur and Gorkha with Indian cities including Ayodhya, Gorakhpur, and Varanasi.
Four trains will now run regularly on the route: two express services and two passenger or MEMU trains, halting at a dozen stations across Uttar Pradesh. The primary Intercity Express (14214/14213) departs Nepalgunj Road at 4:00 AM, reaching Varanasi at 1:35 PM, with the return service leaving Varanasi at 2:00 PM and arriving at Nepalgunj Road by 11:00 PM. Additional services include the Nepalgunj Road-Varanasi City Express (15131/15132) and two passenger trains operating from Gonda at 5:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
For the inaugural run, a 17-coach special train (No. 05064) travelled from Nepalgunj Road to Varanasi City, carrying AC, sleeper, and general coaches. It made scheduled stops at Nanpara, Bahraich, Gonda, Balrampur, and Gorakhpur. The Railways distributed free travel coupons to around 600 passengers for the first journey. Station Superintendent Rakesh Seth noted that most passengers on the opening day were headed to Varanasi to visit the Kashi Vishwanath temple, while Bahraich MP Dr Anand Gond travelled on the train's initial leg to Risiya.