Banaras Vande Bharat likely to originate from Mathura, strengthening the spiritual corridor between Braj and Kashi
Vrindavan Today | Bureau Report
13th September, 2026, Mathura: A significant boost to religious tourism between Braj and Kashi may be on the horizon, with preparations reportedly underway to extend the Agra Cantt–Banaras Vande Bharat Express to Mathura Junction.
If the proposal materialises, the semi-high-speed train will directly connect Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi, Mathura, with Kashi Vishwanath, Varanasi, bringing two of India’s most revered spiritual and cultural centres closer than ever before.
The proposal follows a suggestion made by Mathura–Vrindavan Member of Parliament Hema Malini, who reportedly urged the railway authorities to provide a direct, convenient connection between Mathura and Varanasi. The Agra Railway Division is understood to be examining the proposal.
A direct spiritual link between Braj and Kashi
Mathura and Varanasi occupy a unique place in India’s sacred geography. Mathura is revered as the birthplace of Lord Krishna, while Varanasi is the ancient city of Lord Shiva and home to the revered Kashi Vishwanath Temple.
At present, pilgrims travelling from Mathura to Varanasi generally have to depend on other trains or make connections. A direct Vande Bharat service would provide a faster and more comfortable alternative, particularly for elderly pilgrims, families and visitors coming from different parts of India and abroad.
According to the proposal being considered, the train could depart from Mathura Junction at around 5:15 am, travel to Agra Cantt and then continue on its existing route towards Banaras. The proposed schedule and other operational details, however, are yet to receive final official confirmation.
From Agra to Banaras in seven hours
Train Nos. 20175/20176 Agra Cantt–Banaras Vande Bharat Express were introduced on September 16, 2024, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagging off the service.
The service initially operated with an eight-coach rake. In response to increasing passenger demand, the rake was subsequently expanded to 16 coaches.
At present, the train departs Agra Cantt at 6:00 am and reaches Banaras at approximately 1:00 pm, covering around 576 kilometres in seven hours. On its existing route, it halts at stations including Tundla, Etawah, Kanpur Central and Prayagraj Junction.
The return service leaves Banaras at around 3:20 pm and reaches Agra Cantt at approximately 10:20 pm.
The Vande Bharat 2.0 service offers Chair Car and Executive Class accommodation, along with modern passenger amenities including onboard Wi-Fi, infotainment facilities, the Kavach safety system and comfortable rotating seats.
Potential impact on religious tourism
The proposed extension to Mathura could significantly strengthen the religious tourism circuit linking Braj and Kashi.
Mathura and Vrindavan together attract millions of pilgrims every year. A substantial number of visitors travel onward to other major pilgrimage centres, including Varanasi. A direct high-speed rail connection could make such journeys considerably easier.
For foreign tourists and senior citizens in particular, the availability of a comfortable direct service could make it easier to experience two of India’s great living spiritual traditions within a single journey; from the land of Krishna to the city of Shiva.
The proposed service also has the potential to contribute to the development of a wider Braj–Kashi spiritual tourism corridor, connecting temples, ghats, sacred landscapes and cultural traditions through improved rail connectivity.
From Shri Krishna’s land to Shiva’s city
The significance of the proposed service goes beyond convenience and travel time.
Braj and Kashi are not merely tourist destinations; they are living sacred landscapes. Mathura, Vrindavan, Govardhan, Barsana and the wider Braj region are deeply associated with the Krishna tradition, while Varanasi represents one of the world’s oldest continuing centres of Shaiva and Hindu spiritual life.
A direct Vande Bharat service between the two regions would therefore connect two major pilgrimage traditions while strengthening their cultural and economic relationship.
If approved, the initiative could become an important addition to India’s growing network of pilgrimage-oriented rail connectivity.
Railway yet to give final confirmation
Railway officials have indicated that the proposal is still under consideration. Sanjay Kumar Gautam, PRO, Agra Railway Division, said that the suggestion made by MP Hema Malini was being examined.
There has also been discussion about increasing the train’s capacity from 16 to as many as 20 coaches if passenger demand rises after the proposed extension.
The final decision, timetable and date of commencement will depend on railway approvals and operational considerations. Reports have indicated a possible commencement by the end of October, but this should await formal confirmation from the Railways.
If the proposal becomes a reality, the journey from Shri Krishna Janmabhoomi to Kashi Vishwanath will acquire a new dimension. The modern rail technology will serve an ancient pilgrimage tradition.
From the sacred lanes of Braj to the timeless ghats of Kashi, the proposed Vande Bharat could create a powerful new bridge between two of India’s greatest spiritual worlds.
