The Meerut to Varanasi Vande Bharat Express via Ayodhya — an extension of the Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat — is all set to transform travel across Uttar Pradesh: faster, smoother, and more spiritual than ever!
The Meerut to Varanasi Vande Bharat Express is expected to launch soon, tentatively around August 28, offering faster rail access to key cities like Ayodhya and Varanasi. This newly added route establishes a direct rail link between Meerut and Varanasi for the first time, with Ayodhya Dham serving as a prominent spiritual halt along the journey. This initiative aims to deliver faster, more comfortable rail travel across key cities, benefiting students, pilgrims, entrepreneurs, and tourists alike.
With semi-high-speed technology, modern amenities, and reduced travel time, this new route symbolizes Indian Railways’ continuous effort to revolutionize passenger journeys within India’s heartland.
Route Overview: A Cultural and Economic Corridor on Rails
The new route is an extension of the existing Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express, now pushing forward to Varanasi Cantt, one of India’s most visited pilgrimage and heritage destinations. This strategic extension ensures that passengers no longer need to depend on indirect routes via Prayagraj or lengthy bus journeys.
The train will cover approximately 783 kilometers in under 12 hours, significantly enhancing travel efficiency across northern Uttar Pradesh. Key halts along the route connect several of the region’s most prominent urban, spiritual, and administrative centers.
Meerut to Varanasi Vande Bharat Express: Train Schedule and Journey Time
Operating under train numbers 22490 and 22489, this newly extended Vande Bharat service ensures a seamless itinerary with strategic halts across major Uttar Pradesh cities. The push for this extended service was led by Rajya Sabha MP Dr. Laxmikant Bajpai, and Indian Railways has now released the complete schedule. As per the plan, the train will depart from Meerut City at 6:35 AM and reach Varanasi Cantt by 6:25 PM. The return trip will begin at 9:10 AM from Varanasi and conclude at 9:05 PM in Meerut.
Passing through key stations like Moradabad, Bareilly, Lucknow, and Ayodhya Dham, the route ensures seamless travel across major cultural and administrative hubs in Uttar Pradesh. Until now, there was no direct train service connecting Meerut with both Ayodhya and Varanasi—making this launch a game-changer for spiritual tourism and regional connectivity.
Train schedule and journey time may be subject to change on the launch date.
Train No. 22490 – Meerut to Varanasi
- Meerut City: 6:35 AM (departure)
- Moradabad: 8:40 AM
- Bareilly: 10:11 AM
- Lucknow: 1:55 PM
- Ayodhya Dham: 3:55 PM
- Varanasi Cantt: 6:25 PM (arrival)
Total Travel Time: Approx. 11 hours 50 minutes
Train No. 22489 – Varanasi to Meerut (Return)
- Varanasi Cantt: 9:10 AM (departure)
- Ayodhya Dham: 11:40 AM
- Lucknow: 1:30 PM
- Bareilly: 5:15 PM
- Moradabad: 6:50 PM
- Meerut City: 9:05 PM (arrival)
Return Journey Time: Approx. 11 hours 55 minutes
Who Benefits from This New Route?
This service is designed to streamline passenger movement and offer semi-high-speed alternatives to existing options. Here’s how different traveler groups stand to gain:
Students & Job Seekers
Fast access to education and employment hubs like Lucknow and Varanasi, both home to reputed universities and government institutions.
Pilgrims
Seamless travel to Ayodhya Dham and Kashi Vishwanath, two of the most spiritually significant places in India. The train will be a blessing during festive rush and religious yatras.
Tourists
Heritage travelers can now plan weekend getaways or cultural circuits without spending a full day in transit. Ideal for those interested in exploring Awadh and Kashi.
Business Professionals
Entrepreneurs, MSMEs, and remote workers get a faster, cleaner, and tech-friendly travel option, fostering economic interactions across central and eastern UP.
Boosting Economic and Spiritual Connectivity in Uttar Pradesh
The direct route between Meerut and Varanasi is not just about speed—it’s about unlocking economic potential and preserving cultural ties. By bypassing indirect routes and state highways, the Vande Bharat makes mobility smoother, safer, and more dependable.
Key Benefits:
- Reduced travel stress and time
- Higher reliability for regular commuters
- Improved tourism footfall in Ayodhya, Lucknow & Varanasi
- Increased demand for local hospitality and transport services
- Stronger regional business interactions
Meerut to Varanasi Vande Bharat Express: Modern Features for a Smarter Journey
The Vande Bharat Express is not just about speed—it’s a leap forward in passenger comfort and technology. This state-of-the-art train, connecting Meerut to Varanasi, comes equipped with features designed to elevate your entire travel experience:
- Spacious AC Chair Car and Executive Class seating for relaxed, ergonomic travel
- Live GPS-based updates to keep you informed throughout the journey
- Advanced bio-vacuum toilets for better hygiene and sustainability
- CCTV surveillance and automatic doors for added safety
- Delightful food and infotainment—right at your seat
From seamless boarding to smart onboard tech, the journey is now faster, cleaner, and more secure than ever before.
Vande Bharat Expansion: Varanasi Leads the Way
Varanasi is now connected via Vande Bharat Express to key cities including New Delhi, Agra, Deoghar, Ranchi, Patna, Meerut (upcoming), and Lucknow. This expanding network promotes fast, direct travel across major spiritual, cultural, and administrative hubs in North and East India. It reflects Indian Railways’ strong push toward modern, safe, and high-speed train services that not only enhance passenger comfort but also foster inter-city economic and cultural exchange.
Final Take – Smarter, Faster Travel to Kashi and Ayodhya Likely from August 28
The upcoming launch of the Meerut to Varanasi Vande Bharat Express, an extension of the existing Meerut to Lucknow Vande Bharat, marks a major advancement in Uttar Pradesh’s rail connectivity. Providing direct access to spiritual and cultural hubs like Ayodhya and Kashi, this semi-high-speed service blends speed, comfort, and modern efficiency, setting a new standard for rail travel in the region.
