Bahraich: Uttar Pradesh’s border rail connectivity received a major boost with the inauguration of the 56.15-km Nepalganj Road-Nanpara-Bahraich broad gauge railway section, alongside the extension of four train services to Nepalganj Road.
The ₹730-crore project includes gauge conversion and electrification of the earlier metre-gauge section and is expected to strengthen connectivity in Bahraich and adjoining border areas while opening up new opportunities for trade, employment, tourism and social development.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inaugurated the section at a programme that began with a two-minute silence in tribute to victims of the recent flash floods in Nepal.
56-Km Rail Section Converted and Electrified
The Nepalganj Road-Nanpara-Bahraich section, originally constructed in 1886, has now been integrated into the country’s broad gauge railway network.
Read Also: Eastern UP’s Youth Power Driving Development as Region Emerges as Economic Hub: CM Yogi Adityanath
The upgraded section connects key stations including:
- Bahraich
- Risiya
- Matera
- Nanpara
- Babaganj
- Nepalganj Road
The 56.15-km section has been converted to broad gauge and electrified at an approximate cost of ₹730 crore.
The electrification will allow electric locomotive-hauled trains to operate on the route, reducing dependence on diesel traction and supporting more energy-efficient railway operations.
Four Train Services Extended to Nepalganj Road
To improve passenger connectivity, the Ministry of Railways has extended four existing train services up to Nepalganj Road.
The services include:
- 14213/14214 Varanasi–Bahraich Express
- 15132/15131 Varanasi City–Gorakhpur Express
- 75109/75110 Gonda–Bahraich service
- 75111/75112 Gonda–Bahraich service
The extensions will provide passengers in Nepalganj Road and surrounding areas with direct connectivity towards Gonda, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and other major urban centres.
The move also addresses a long-standing demand from residents of the region.
Border Connectivity to Benefit India-Nepal Movement
The upgraded rail link is expected to have significance beyond passenger convenience, given its location near the India-Nepal border.
Improved connectivity between Bahraich, Rupaidiha and Nepalganj is expected to facilitate movement for people travelling for:
- Employment
- Education
- Healthcare
- Trade
- Tourism
- Other cross-border activities
The enhanced rail infrastructure could also strengthen economic and social links between communities on both sides of the border.
Aspirational Bahraich Set for New Economic Opportunities
The project is expected to provide an economic boost to Bahraich, an aspirational district, by improving the movement of people and goods and connecting the region with larger markets.
Better rail access could support:
- Local trade and businesses
- Employment opportunities
- Tourism
- Movement of agricultural and local products
- Social and cultural exchanges
- Access to major economic centres
The direct broad gauge connection is also expected to give local producers better access to markets in Uttar Pradesh and beyond.
Yogi Calls Rail Project a Decades-Old Demand
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the inauguration of the rail section and the extension of four train services fulfilled a decades-old aspiration of people in the region.
He highlighted the strengthened links between Bahraich, Rupaidiha and Nepalganj, saying the improved connectivity would make travel more convenient for people in the border areas.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw also highlighted the importance of strengthening the railway network across Uttar Pradesh, particularly in the Purvanchal region.
India-Nepal Flood Victims Remembered at Inauguration
The programme opened with a tribute to victims of the recent floods in Nepal.
Vaishnaw expressed condolences to affected families and said Indian Railways was coordinating with railway zones, state and district authorities and the Ministry of External Affairs to facilitate the safe movement of passengers affected by the disaster.
Special coaches and other facilities were also being arranged for passengers rescued from affected areas and reaching India.
The inauguration thus combined a significant connectivity upgrade for the India-Nepal border region with a message of solidarity towards neighbouring Nepal.
Read Also: UP Development Push: CM Yogi Launches Rs 435 Crore Projects in Deoria, Gorakhpur
