‘Broad gauge, electrified’: Yogi, Vaishnaw inaugurate upgraded Nepalganj Road-Bahraich rail section

Rail connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Nepal is set for a boost, with four train services extended up to Nepalganj Road and the 56-km rail section linking Bahraich, Nanpara and Nepalganj Road being upgraded and electrified.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Monday inaugurated the broad-gauge upgradation and electrification of the 140-year-old Nepalganj Road-Nanpara-Bahraich rail section.

The 56.15-km-long section has been converted to broad gauge and electrified at a cost of nearly Rs 730 crore.

The section, originally constructed in 1886, will provide improved connectivity to Bahraich, Risiya, Matera, Nanpara, Babaganj and Nepalganj Road stations, the government said.

The Railway Ministry has approved the extension of four existing services up to Nepalganj Road:

Vaishnaw, who joined the programme virtually, said the conversion of the Nepalganj Road-Nanpara-Bahraich section is now connected to the wider railway network across the country.

The programme began with a tribute to the victims of the recent floods in Nepal, with all those attending the programme observing two minutes of silence.

Adityanath said the inauguration of the section and launch of four new train services marked the realisation of a decades-old dream for the people of the region. He said the new rail connectivity would strengthen links between Bahraich, Rupaidiha and Nepalganj and provide convenience to people on both sides of the border.

According to the Railways, the completion of the Broad Gauge project on the Nepalganj Road-Bahraich rail section will create new opportunities for Bahraich, an aspirational district. The improved rail connectivity will support the movement of people and goods and help promote trade, employment, tourism, social and cultural activities in the region.

Bhupendra Pandey is the Resident Editor of the Lucknow edition of The Indian Express. With decades of experience in the heart of Uttar Pradesh’s journalistic landscape, he oversees the bureau’s coverage of India’s most politically significant state. His expertise lies in navigating the complex intersections of state governance, legislative policy, and grassroots social movements. From tracking high-stakes assembly elections to analyzing administrative shifts in the Hindi heartland, Bhupendra’s reportage provides a definitive lens on the region's evolution. Authoritativeness He leads a team of seasoned reporters and investigators, ensuring that The Indian Express’ signature "Journalism of Courage" is reflected in every regional story. His leadership is central to the Lucknow bureau’s reputation for breaking stories that hold the powerful to account, making him a trusted figure for policy analysts, political scholars, and the general public seeking to understand the nuances of UP’s complex landscape. Trustworthiness & Accountability Under his stewardship, the Lucknow edition adheres to the strictest standards of factual verification and non-partisan reporting. He serves as a bridge between the local populace and the national discourse, ensuring that regional issues are elevated with accuracy and context. By prioritizing primary-source reporting and on-the-ground verification, he upholds the trust that readers have placed in the Express brand for nearly a century. ... Read More