Ballia, July 30, 2025 – The Indian Railways has rolled out significant updates for train travelers in eastern Uttar Pradesh, extending the routes of two major trains: the Begumpura Express (12237/38) and the Sabarmati Express (19167/68). These extensions, approved by the Railway Board, aim to improve connectivity for Ballia residents and reduce the strain on Varanasi’s busy Cantt railway station.
The Begumpura Express, previously running between Varanasi Junction and Jammu Tawi, will now originate from Ballia. The train will depart Ballia at 10:00 AM, reach Varanasi by 12:40 PM, and continue to Jammu Tawi, arriving the next day. On its return journey (12238), it will leave Jammu Tawi, pass through Varanasi around 12:40 PM, and arrive in Ballia by 3:20 PM. This extension covers an additional 135 kilometers, connecting Ballia directly to Jammu Tawi, a key hub for pilgrims visiting the Vaishno Devi temple and army personnel stationed in Jammu and Kashmir. “This is a game-changer for us,” said a Ballia resident. “Traveling to Vaishno Devi will now be much easier without the hassle of going to Varanasi first.”
Similarly, the Sabarmati Express, which previously operated between Varanasi and Ahmedabad, has been extended to start and end at Chhapra, passing through Ballia. The train will travel via Ayodhya, Kanpur, and Ujjain, offering a direct link for devotees visiting Shri Ram’s temple in Ayodhya and Mahakal in Ujjain. This extension also benefits professionals and business travelers heading to Gujarat. “I travel to Ahmedabad for work, and this direct connection from Ballia will save time and effort,” said a local trader. The extended route is expected to ease travel for those in Chhapra and Ballia, fostering stronger economic and cultural ties with Gujarat.
Adding to the region’s connectivity, the Railway Board recently introduced another train extension just two days ago. A train running between Anand Vihar Terminal (Delhi) and Patna, passing through Ballia, has been launched, giving residents a direct link to the national capital. This flurry of extensions reflects Indian Railways’ focus on improving access for smaller cities like Ballia and Chhapra, reducing dependence on major hubs like Varanasi.
The Begumpura Express, a daily superfast train, covers 1,261 kilometers between Ballia and Jammu Tawi in approximately 24 hours, with stops at Lucknow, Moradabad, and Ludhiana. It offers First AC, Second AC, Third AC, and sleeper coaches. The Sabarmati Express, running four days a week, connects Chhapra to Ahmedabad via Ballia, covering key cultural and commercial hubs. Both trains are expected to ease overcrowding at Varanasi Cantt, which handles over 360,000 passengers and 240 trains daily.
Railway officials urge passengers to check the updated schedules on the IRCTC website or apps like ConfirmTkt for real-time updates on timings and seat availability. As these changes take effect, Ballia’s residents, pilgrims, and workers are set to enjoy smoother, more direct travel options.
