Written by Anish MondalNovember 8, 2025 08:25 PM IST 3 min readRailways is working on a master plan for the integrated development of Varanasi stations. (Image: Ministry of Railways)Indian Railways, Varanasi railway station latest news: Indian Railways (IR) is preparing a master plan for the integrated development of Varanasi’s three major stations – Kashi, Varanasi Cantt and Banaras. The initiative aims to raise train departure capacity by nearly 25 per cent.Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who is in Varanasi for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s flagging off of four Vande Bharat trains, inspected several railway stations in the city after the inauguration ceremony. He reviewed the ongoing construction works and passenger amenities at the stations.Also Read | Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat train sees huge demand; tickets sold out within hours of launchVaranasi railway station newsDuring the inspection, Vaishnaw visited all three railway stations in Varanasi and noted that around 150 trains currently operate from these stations. Ashwini Vaishnaw at Varanasi (Image: PIB)“To increase this capacity from 400 to 500 trains, the Railways is working on a master plan for the integrated development of Kashi Railway Station, Varanasi Cantt Railway Station, and Varanasi Railway Station,” Vaishnaw said, according to the release.Also Read | Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat: Here’s how Kerala’s 3rd semi-high-speed train could transform travel experienceOn Friday, Railway Board Chairperson and CEO Satish Kumar inspected the ongoing development works at Varanasi Railway Station and held a review meeting with officials.Also Read | Indian Railways to install AI-based technology to enhance security in freight trains – Here’s how it will workAshwini Vaishnaw visits Banaras Rail Engine FactoryAfter Varanasi railway stations, the Railway Minister also visited the Banaras Rail Engine Factory (BARECA). He conducted a detailed inspection of the Loco Frame Shop, Loco Assembly Shop, and Loco Test Shop and obtained technical information related to the manufacturing process.Story continues below this ad Ashwini Vaishnaw at Varanasi (Image: PIB)Also Read | Narendra Modi Varanasi Visit: PM Modi flags off 4 new Vande Bharat trains – Full list, routesVande Bharat trains launchEarlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains. These are: Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi and Ernakulam–Bengaluru. These new trains will significantly reduce travel time between major destinations. It will also enhance regional mobility, promote tourism, and support economic activity across the country. With these, the total number of Vande Bharat train services in the country will rise to 164.Anish Mondal is a business journalist with over nine years of experience. He writes on diverse subjects such as Infrastructure, Railways, Roadways, Aviation, Politics, Market, Parliamentary affairs, Corporate earnings, General and International news etc. ... Read MoreStay updated with the latest - Click here to follow us on Instagram© IE Online Media Services Pvt Ltd