October 31, 2026,A new corridor from Delhi to Guwahati is set to be constructed: Ashwini Vaishnaw,The bullet train is not just for the rich; it is also for the poor and middle-class families: Ashwini VaishnawRailway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the redevelopment work at Kashi station and the Namo Ganga rail-cum-road bridge, and reviewed the progress of passenger amenities and construction activities.
On October 31, 2026, the Honorable Railway Minister, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, inspected the Kashi railway station and the Namo Ganga rail-cum-road bridge. During the visit, he assessed the progress of the station’s redevelopment and modernization, and received updates on the construction of the new station building, concourse, platforms, and other passenger facilities.Today, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw stated, “The Honorable Prime Minister has approved the Northern Bullet Train Corridor. A bullet train corridor is coming to Uttar Pradesh soon. This corridor will span from Delhi to Guwahati. With the arrival of this Northern Corridor, the travel time between Delhi and Agra will be reduced to just 59 minutes; Delhi to Kanpur will take 1 hour and 59 minutes; Delhi to Lucknow will take 2 hours and 12 minutes; Kashi to Lucknow will take 1 hour and 21 minutes; and Kashi to Patna will be reachable in 1 hour. The journey from Kashi to Delhi will take 3 hours and 35 minutes, while the journey from Varanasi to Agra will take 2 hours and 24 minutes. The bullet train is not just for the wealthy—it is also for the poor and middle-class families. The opposition is spreading misconceptions that the fares will be very high; in reality, the fares will be even lower than those for air travel.”
He further mentioned that Kashi railway station is being developed into a modern, world-class, and passenger-friendly facility. The approved estimated cost for the station redevelopment project is ₹349.50 crore, while the work has been awarded at a cost of ₹304.61 crore. The contract for the work was awarded on August 16, 2023. The project is being executed by the relevant unit of the Northern Railway’s construction organization.
Under the redevelopment plan, two modern station buildings are being constructed on the north and south sides of the station. Both buildings will be G+2 (ground plus two floors) structures, with each building covering an area of approximately 10,358 square meters. Additionally, a large concourse spanning approximately 10,622 square meters is being built. The project also includes other developments, such as a 9-meter-wide foot-over-bridge, new platforms, platform sheds and coverings, covered pathways for pedestrians, and roofing over the concourse, all designed to facilitate the smooth movement of passengers.
Following the redevelopment, the station’s operational capacity will increase significantly. The number of railway tracks will be expanded from the current 4 to 10. Similarly, the number of platforms will increase from 4 to 6, with each platform measuring 600 meters in length. The station’s daily passenger handling capacity will rise from the current 1,954 to 13,261 passengers. Furthermore, the number of trains will increase from the current 16 pairs to 36 pairs.
To enhance passenger convenience and ensure seamless movement, the station will be equipped with 30 lifts and 23 escalators. The width of the foot-over-bridge will be increased from 6 meters to 9 meters, and the number of staircases will be raised from 3 to 26. These improvements will make it easier for passengers to travel between platforms and navigate through various parts of the station. The waiting areas and seating arrangements are also being developed on a large scale. As part of this, waiting halls covering approximately 2,300 square meters each will be developed in the north and south station buildings, with each hall designed to accommodate around 650 passengers. Additionally, a concourse area spanning approximately 5,114 square meters will provide seating for about 1,800 passengers. In total, seating facilities for approximately 3,100 passengers will be available across an area of about 9,714 square meters.
Parking facilities within the station complex are also being expanded. Compared to the current capacity of 115 ECS (Equivalent Car Spaces), the redevelopment will include parking for 440 ECS, covering an area of approximately 10,175 square meters. There is also a proposal to further expand this capacity to 800 ECS in the future.
The project includes external development works covering approximately 66,758 square meters, covered pathways for pedestrians spanning about 2,021 square meters, and roofing over the concourse covering approximately 10,622 square meters. These enhancements will lead to the comprehensive development of the station complex, ensuring a safe, convenient, and weather-protected environment for passengers.
The redevelopment of Kashi Railway Station is being carried out with due regard for the religious, cultural, and historical significance of Varanasi. Upon completion, the project will bring about substantial improvements in the station’s passenger capacity, rail operations, and overall transit infrastructure. Modern station buildings, a spacious concourse, expansive platforms, lifts, escalators, improved waiting areas, and enhanced parking facilities will offer passengers a more convenient and superior rail travel experience. Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the construction site of the ‘Namo Ganga’ rail-cum-road bridge (Namo Bridge)—currently being built over the Ganga River in Varanasi—today.
