20th September 2024,

To, All Members,

Dear Friends,

Sub: Introduction of Vande Bharat Train from Agra Cantt to Varanasi and Vice-a-Versa with effect from 23rd September 2024.

As you are aware, IATO has been constantly requesting the Indian Railways by writing to the PMO office, Minister of Railways, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Niti Aayog since 2019  when Vande Bharat from Delhi to Varanasi was introduced to have 2 minutes stoppage at Tundla Junction so that tourists who wish to go to Pryagraj and Varanasi after visiting Mathura/ Vrindavan/Agra or vice-versa so that they can board the train from Tundla Junction instead of backtracking to Delhi and taking flight/train to Varanasi/Prayagraj.

Since then we have been regularly following up with the concerned authorities. This matter was also taken up personally with the Hon’ble Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh during our convention in Lucknow in December 2022 seeking his help either to have stoppage of Vande Bharat at Tundla Junction or introduce a new Vande Bharat between Agra and Varanasi.

With constant efforts of IATO and efforts of other associations, our request has been favourably considered and Vande Bharat Train has been introduced between Agra Cant to Varanasi and vice-a-versa with effect from 23rd September 2024 

The Railway Board has issued a notification for the regular operation of the Agra Cantt-Varanasi Vande Bharat which will run regularly from Sept 23, except Fridays. Starting from Agra Cantt, the train will reach Varanasi in 7 hours.  The first Vande Bharat of North Central Railway (NCR) was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sept 16.

Schedule is as under:-

•           Train number 20176 will leave Agra Cantt at 0600 hours and will reach Varanasi at 1300 hours with halts at Tundla, Etawah, Kanpur and Prayagraj  en-route.

•           On its return journey, train number 20175 will depart from Varanasi at 1520 hours and will reach Agra Cantt at 2220 hrs 

To make this train’s operation successful, members are requested to make maximum bookings on this train.

With regards,