New Delhi: Meeting a long-standing demand of local residents, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister of State Jitin Prasada flagged off the extension of the Gorakhpur–Pilibhit Express up to Izzatnagar (Bareilly) via video conferencing from Rail Bhawan.
The train, which originally ran between Lakhimpur and Gorakhpur, was extended to Pilibhit earlier this year. With its latest expansion to Bareilly, the service is expected to significantly improve connectivity across Uttar Pradesh’s Terai region, linking communities more effectively with markets, tourism hubs, and development opportunities.
Regional Impact
The extension is set to:
- Provide better market access for agricultural and forest produce
- Improve mobility for students, farmers, and daily commuters
- Encourage tourism and generate new employment opportunities
- Accelerate socio-economic growth across the Terai belt
Railway Development in Uttar Pradesh
Highlighting the progress since 2014, Minister Vaishnaw noted:
- 5,272 km of new tracks constructed—exceeding the size of Switzerland’s rail network
- 100% electrification of railway routes in the state
- 1,660 flyovers and underbridges built to ease traffic flow
- Installation of 154 lifts and 156 escalators at stations
- Wi-Fi access at 771 stations for passenger convenience
- Operation of 34 Vande Bharat Express and 26 Amrit Bharat Express services
He also emphasized that 48 long-pending projects have been completed in the past decade, including gauge conversions for Lucknow–Pilibhit, Pilibhit–Shahjahanpur, and Bareilly–Tanakpur routes.
Investment & Modernization
Railway investment in Uttar Pradesh has seen a dramatic rise, with budget allocation increasing from ₹1,109 crore before 2014 to ₹19,858 crore today. Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 157 stations across the state are being redeveloped, including key hubs such as Bareilly, Pilibhit, Ghaziabad, Meerut City, Saharanpur, and Moradabad. Ten of these stations have already been inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while work on the rest is progressing rapidly.
Voices of Gratitude
Minister Jitin Prasada expressed appreciation for prioritizing Pilibhit, noting that the extension will benefit students, farmers, and tourists alike. Local representatives, including MP Chhatrapal Singh Gangwar, MLC Dr. Sudhir Gupta, and MLA Baburam, also thanked the Railway Minister on behalf of the people.
Conclusion
With the Gorakhpur–Pilibhit Express now reaching Izzatnagar (Bareilly), Indian Railways continues its mission to deliver reliable, modern, and passenger-friendly services, ensuring that the Terai region is better connected to the mainstream of development.
