The Ministry of Railways, in collaboration with Uttar Pradesh state government, inaugurated the completed gauge conversion and electrification of the Nepalganj Road-Nanpara-Bahraich rail section. The 56.15-kilometer section, originally constructed in 1886 as metre-gauge, has been converted to broad gauge and electrified at a cost of approximately ₹730 crore. This integration into the national broad-gauge network provides improved connectivity to Bahraich, Risiya, Matera, Nanpara, Babaganj and Nepalganj Road stations.
The Ministry has approved the extension of four existing train services to Nepalganj Road: 14213/14214 Varanasi–Bahraich Express, 15132/15131 Varanasi City–Gorakhpur Express, and two pairs of 75109/75110 and 75111/75112 Gonda–Bahraich trains. These extensions provide direct rail connectivity from Nepalganj Road and adjoining areas to Gonda, Gorakhpur, Varanasi and other major cities, fulfilling a long-standing regional demand and significantly improving access to major urban and economic centers.
The project is expected to provide major impetus to socio-economic development in aspirational district Bahraich, facilitating greater movement of people and goods while promoting trade, employment, tourism, and social and cultural activities. The electrification enables electric locomotive-hauled trains, reducing diesel dependence and supporting Indian Railways' energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable operations.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw outlined comprehensive plans for strengthening Uttar Pradesh's railway network, particularly Purvanchal region, with seven major networks being strengthened through third and fourth lines. He detailed high-speed rail connectivity plans that would reduce Delhi-Agra travel to 58 minutes, Delhi-Kanpur to 1 hour 45 minutes, Delhi-Lucknow to 2 hours 12 minutes, Delhi-Prayagraj to approximately 3 hours, and Delhi-Varanasi to about 3.5 hours. The proposed connectivity would eventually extend to Patna, reducing the 1,170-km Delhi-Patna journey to around 4.5 hours.
The programme began with tributes to victims of recent Nepal floods, with India offering assistance through special coach arrangements and coordination between Railway Board, railway zones, district and state authorities, and Ministry of External Affairs for safe movement and return of affected passengers.