New Delhi/Gorakhpur: The Government of India has allocated a record ₹20,012 crore for railway development in Uttar Pradesh for the current financial year, marking an 18-fold increase from the previous budget, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Monday. The state is currently witnessing ₹92,000 crore worth of ongoing railway projects, with 100% electrification already completed.
Record Budget Allocation for UP Railways
Speaking via video conference to media representatives, Minister Vaishnaw highlighted that the allocation demonstrates the government’s commitment to modernizing Uttar Pradesh’s railway infrastructure. The minister noted that seven high-speed rail corridors have been approved nationwide, with two located in UP — the Delhi–Varanasi and Varanasi–Siliguri routes. Once operational, passengers will be able to travel from Delhi to Varanasi in just 3.55 hours.
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Amrit Bharat Stations and Infrastructure Upgrades
Currently, 157 Amrit Bharat stations are under redevelopment across Uttar Pradesh. The state government’s collaboration has been instrumental in ensuring smooth progress, according to the Railway Minister. The redevelopment program includes Lakhimpur, Gursahai Ganj, Lucknow City, and Khalilabad stations, with several already completed.
Innovative Safety Measures: AI-Based Elephant Protection
Uday Borvankar, GM of Northeast Railway, briefed the press on safety measures being implemented in sensitive wildlife areas. The Izatnagar forest stretch will be equipped with an AI-based Elephant Protection System that alerts loco pilots in real time, ensuring the safety of elephants during rail operations.
Gorakhpur Junction Upgrades: New FOB by Diwali
The redevelopment of 58 Amrit Bharat stations is underway in Northeast Railway, including Gorakhpur Junction. A new foot-over bridge (FOB) at Gorakhpur is expected to be completed by Diwali, which will improve passenger convenience and reduce congestion at the station. The GM also addressed concerns over train delays, noting that fog-related disruptions are being closely monitored to restore punctuality.
Expansion of Train Services and Sleeper Vande Bharat Plans
Northeast Railway currently operates 243 pairs of mail-express and 119 pairs of passenger trains. Additionally, 7 pairs of semi-high-speed Vande Bharat and 9 pairs of Amrit Bharat Express trains are operational. The GM indicated that sleeper Vande Bharat trains could soon be introduced from Gorakhpur, further enhancing connectivity for long-distance travelers.
UP Railways on a Growth Trajectory
With the historic budget allocation, ongoing high-speed rail projects, complete electrification, and modern station upgrades, Uttar Pradesh is poised to become a model state for railway infrastructure development. The government’s focus on safety, modernization, and passenger convenience aligns with its broader vision of efficient, world-class railway services.
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