Starting August 27, 2025, the Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express will extend its route all the way to Varanasi. It will also cover Ayodhya Dham, making this a significant cultural and travel upgrade for travellers across Uttar Pradesh. After all, a semi-high-speed, air-conditioned smart train connecting western UP to the spiritual east sounds like a truly dreamy escape!
Why The Meerut-Lucknow Route Needed An Extension
Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai, MP from Uttar Pradesh, confirmed in the Rajya Sabha that the Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat train will be extended to Varanasi. He mentioned that the new route has been approved by the Ministry of Railways under the guidance of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The change is not merely technical in nature but a rather strategic and economic one.
The train route shall go from Meerut to Varanasi and make stops at Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow, and Ayodhya Dham, before pulling into Varanasi Cantt. The total journey will be around 11 hours and 50 minutes long.
According to Amar Ujala, the Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat train wasn’t economically benefiting the railway department. Some sources suggest that the route was found to be economically unviable. With limited occupancy and a shorter journey time, the service wasn’t making enough impact or revenue. In response, a strong demand emerged to reimagine the train’s potential by extending it via Ayodhya to Varanasi, two high-demand pilgrimage destinations. This route upgrade hopes to make the train more financially sustainable.
Also Read: Not Just The Ram Mandir, Visit These 6 Temples In Ayodhya Too On Your Next Visit
Connecting Key Cities Across Uttar Pradesh
Now, if the new extension sounds like a spiritual-tour-cum-small-business-roadtrip, that’s because this route is an absolute lifeline, passing by sacred sites, administrative hubs, student cities, and old-school trading towns.
The train is stitching together places that, until now, felt like they existed on different routes altogether. So, if you are a student in Lucknow and had to head home to Meerut? This new route will help you save time. If you’re a devotee heading to Ram Janmabhoomi Temple darshan or the ghats of Varanasi? This train might just be the perfect option for you as well.
Did you know that Varanasi is the first Indian city to be connected by seven Vande Bharat trains? Thanks to the Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat that has been extended to Kashi.
Also Read: Meerut 1-Day Itinerary: Top Places To Visit In Meerut For A Day Trip
This extension is faster, smarter, and honestly, long overdue. This new development will bridge more than just kilometres, it will help bring together culture, commerce, and communities.
Cover Image Courtesy: Harshul12345/Wikipedia
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