The Ministry of Railways has inaugurated a converted and electrified railway line in Uttar Pradesh, along with extending four train services to a border station. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formally opened the project, which will improve connectivity in the Bahraich district and nearby areas.
What was inaugurated
The Nepalganj Road-Nanpara-Bahraich railway section, which was originally built in 1886 as a metre-gauge line, has been converted to broad gauge and electrified. The 56.15-kilometre section cost approximately 730 crore rupees to upgrade.
Four train services have been extended to reach Nepalganj Road station:
- Varanasi–Bahraich Express (14213/14214)
- Varanasi City–Gorakhpur Express (15132/15131)
- Two pairs of Gonda–Bahraich local services (75109/75110 and 75111/75112)
The upgraded section now connects stations at Bahraich, Risiya, Matera, Nanpara, Babaganj and Nepalganj Road into the national broad-gauge network.
The inauguration ceremony began with two minutes of silence in tribute to victims of recent flash floods in Nepal. Railway Minister Vaishnaw noted that Indian Railways has arranged special coaches and facilities for passengers rescued from flood-affected areas in Nepal who are reaching India.
What this means for you
People from Nepalganj Road and surrounding areas now have direct train connections to major cities including Gonda, Gorakhpur and Varanasi. The project fulfills a long-standing regional demand and will benefit residents on both sides of the India-Nepal border who travel for employment, education, healthcare and trade. The electrification will eventually enable more efficient, diesel-free train operations. For Bahraich district, classified as aspirational, the improved rail connection is expected to boost trade, tourism and local economic activity by providing better access to wider markets.