New Weekly Special Train Kicks Off Between Varanasi and Lal Kuan

Railways are rolling out a new weekly special train service linking Varanasi City directly to Lal Kuan, catering to a key travel route in Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. This initiative aims to make life easier for passengers connecting the Buddhist heartland of Varanasi with the foothills of the Kumaon region, a route that’s always in high demand, especially during festive and busy travel seasons.

The weekly service comes as a relief for many travelers frustrated by packed trains and limited options. Regional rail authorities say this move not only supports tourism and business but also relieves pressure from existing crowded trains, such as the 05056, 05301, and 12353, which ply similar routes. Despite the rush, there’s a catch that local commuters are just beginning to wrap their heads around.

No Halt at Lakhimpur or Gola: Passengers Left Behind

While the excitement is clear, there’s a growing buzz in the communities of Lakhimpur and Gola. The new train skips both Lakhimpur and Gola stations, leaving travelers in these bustling towns without a direct benefit from the fresh service. For many, this feels like an oversight, since both locations see heavy daily passenger traffic, and skipping them can mean long detours or waiting for slower trains with less predictable schedules.

Why leave out these stops? Railway officials cite operational and timetable efficiency. With a weekly special, speed matters, and planners may have prioritized major stations to keep the train moving steadily along its longer route. Still, for people who routinely board or disembark at Lakhimpur and Gola, it adds a layer of inconvenience that’s hard to shrug off.

Seasoned travelers from these towns are already raising questions. Some say the railway should reconsider and provide at least a token stop at these hubs, given the steady demand. In recent years, railways have adjusted stops for popular trains based on public petition and real-time data, so there’s hope changes could be made if enough voices push back.

For now, anyone from Lakhimpur or Gola traveling to Varanasi or Lal Kuan will need to plan around connecting options or alternate services. It’s a reminder of how train schedules—designed far from the small-town bustle—can ripple through daily lives in unexpected ways.

• Varanasi–Lal Kuan special starts this week, aiming to meet rising travel demand.
• Lakhimpur and Gola left out as halts, straining options for local passengers.
• Railway planners focus on direct connecting speed, but feedback may shift priorities later.
• Frequent travelers watching for adjustments if public request gains momentum.