Prayagraj: Bringing three major religious destinations of North India within one train journey, Railways is planning to extend the existing Varanasi-Agra Vande Bharat Express to Mathura. An announcement is likely before Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.At present, train 20176 runs between Agra Cantt and Varanasi via Prayagraj, covering the journey in around seven hours. With the proposed extension to Mathura, the complete journey is expected to take less than eight hours. The move would provide a direct rail link between the Braj region, Prayagraj and Kashi, making travel easier for pilgrims visiting Krishna Janmabhoomi and Banke Bihari temple in Mathura-Vrindavan and Kashi Vishwanath temple and Ganga ghats in Varanasi.Railway sources said the proposed extension would also help utilise vacant capacity on the existing service. According to Railways data, between Sept 22 and 28, more than 600 seats on the Agra-Prayagraj section remained vacant each day.The proposal for extending the train to Mathura has also received political backing. BJP MP Hema Malini has written to the railway minister seeking the extension, while the matter has also been taken up with Railway Board chairman Satish Kumar.However, the extension requires maintenance and washing facilities at Mathura Junction. NCR’s Agra division has proposed construction of a new pit line at Mathura at an estimated cost of around Rs 18 crore. Agra division PRO Sanjay Gautam said the proposal has been sent to the competent authorities.Once operational, the extended service would connect Mathura, Agra, Kanpur, Prayagraj and Varanasi on a single semi-high-speed train route. Besides pilgrims, the direct connectivity is expected to benefit tourists, traders and other passengers travelling between these major cities.The proposed extension could also boost tourism-linked businesses in Mathura, Prayagraj and Varanasi. Hotels, guest houses, local guides, handicraft and religious-product sellers and transport operators are expected to benefit from increased inter-city tourist movement. For pilgrims travelling to multiple destinations, the service would offer an option to cover the Braj (Mathura), Prayag (Prayagraj) and Kashi (Varanasi) circuits without changing trains.
