It’s the much-awaited rail link connecting Kashi to Prayagraj, entering the final leg and marking the beginning of faster travel in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Among other things, the project features doubling of railway tracks from Prayagraj to Varanasi and a new Ganga Rail Bridge. Connectivity between the two cities will be greatly improved. The work is on the tail end and it is being expected that soon trains will commence running on this new track in the Maha Kumbh of 2025.
Overview of the Project: Kashi to Prayagraj Rail Link
Doubling of the railway track between Prayagraj and Varanasi-the heart of India-will change rail travel in this region. The project will also make trains run faster and hence will increase efficiency and comfort in traveling between these two cities. The major infrastructure development will not only cut travel time but will also enhance connectivity for millions of passengers.
The center of this project is the newly constructed Ganga Rail Bridge that has been one of the very necessary components in successfully completing the track doubling. It will link Daraganj in Prayagraj with Jhunsi, strengthening the general railway network and paving smoother operations for trains. Trains will be able to pass at a speed of 100-130 km/h where, without this doubling and completion, their speed would not be possible.
Ganga Rail Bridge: A Monumental Achievement
Amongst the most significant components of the Kashi-Prayagraj rail link project, there is the Ganga Rail Bridge. The idea was first visualized in the year 2003 but actually took many years to see daylight due to some reasons. Nevertheless, the double-engine government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has hurried up the process pretty significantly. Ganga Rail Bridge construction began in 2019 and was just completed recently. It remained one of the most significant land marks for growth in Indian railway infrastructure.
This now connects two major regions and makes it easier to travel between Prayagraj and Varanasi. It will be a game-changer for all passengers traveling to and fro in these cities as it shall provide another route for the commuters while improving the efficiency of the rail network in general.
Faster Travel with Vande Bharat Express.
Once the track doubling is done, trains operating on this section, including the Vande Bharat Express, will take one hour to cover the Prayagraj-Varanasi distance. This will be a much better experience than earlier times and very convenient for passengers.
The main feature of this enhanced rail route would be the Vande Bharat Express, a modern semi-high-speed train. The Vande Bharat Express will differ from all other trains through its two characteristics: comfort and speed, and the people of Prayagraj and Varanasi will benefit much from experiencing a far more luxurious mode of travel at a significantly faster pace.
Inspection and Inauguration
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has scheduled the final inspection of the Kashi to Prayagraj rail link project for December 8. Later, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the project formally on December 13 since it will be turning out to be a success story of completion. The day will be the most memorable for people of Uttar Pradesh and for Indian railways when this brings a new dawn in the region.
The inauguration of this rail link during the Maha Kumbh will enhance the accessibility of these cities by a large number of pilgrims to Varanasi and Prayagraj during this time. Improved rail infrastructure shall make travelling easier for most people for religious purposes or general commuting.
Key Benefits of the Kashi to Prayagraj Rail Link
The completion of the Kashi to Prayagraj rail link project shall bring multiple key benefits:
Quick Travel: The journey will be reduced to an hour from Prayagraj to Varanasi with the increase in tracks and introduction of quicker trains like Vande Bharat Express.
Increased Capacity: Track doubling will increase the capacity of the rail network so more trains can run on this route, reducing congestion and raising travel frequency.
Better Connectivity: The upgraded rail line will provide better connectivity between the rural and urban areas. This means that people who stay in towns and villages along the route will find traveling easier.
Economic Growth: The faster rail network will enhance trade and business opportunities between Prayagraj and Varanasi, which are two major commercial centers in Uttar Pradesh.
Easy Access to the Pilgrims: Improved rail services will benefit the pilgrims travelling between Varanasi and Prayagraj especially during events like the Kumbh Mela.
Conclusion: A Step towards Modernizing Rail Infrastructure
The Kashi to Prayagraj rail link is one of the big steps India is taking forward towards modernizing its railway infrastructure. Doubling of track and the Ganga Rail Bridge will make it a faster and efficient journey from one of the most important cities in Uttar Pradesh to the other. The project will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi, adding further excitement to this transformational infrastructure development.
Investments into its railway network will continue for the country, as is witnessed by the completion of Kashi-Prayagraj rail link. The work is being done to make travel from Prayagraj to Varanasi more comfortable and to increase economic and social benefits to the area. Travel from Prayagraj to Varanasi will become easier in the future than it has ever been as the doubling of track is in the final stages.
Refer:
TOI, Link to article
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