Major Railway Update: Buddh Purnima Express Terminal Shifted to Banaras Station

VARANASI – In a significant development for railway passengers in the region, the Indian Railways has announced a major operational change for the popular Rajgir–Varanasi–Rajgir Buddh Purnima Express. Effective March 2026, the train will shift its terminal operations from Varanasi Junction (Cantt) to the Banaras Railway Station (formerly Manduadih).

Key Changes for Passengers According to Saraswati Chandra, Chief Public Relations Officer of East Central Railway, the train currently operating as 14223/14224 Rajgir–Varanasi–Rajgir Buddh Purnima Express will no longer originate or terminate at Varanasi Junction.

Starting March 8, 2026, the train will:

Originate/Terminate: Banaras Railway Station (BSBS).

Operate under: New train numbers (to be announced).

Departure Time: 08:15 PM from Banaras Station.

Route: The train will proceed via Pt. Deen Dayal Upadhyaya (DDU) Junction.

Operational Shift to Banaras Division This move marks the transfer of the weekly superfast express to the Banaras Railway Division. Previously managed elsewhere, the complete maintenance and operational responsibility of the Buddh Purnima Express will now be handled directly at the world-class coaching complex at Banaras Railway Station.

Passenger Advisory Railway authorities have advised all passengers, especially those planning travel between Rajgir and Varanasi after March 2026, to take careful note of this change. Travelers should double-check the following before booking:

Boarding Station: Ensure you select Banaras (BSBS) instead of Varanasi Junction (BSB).

Train Number: Look out for the updated train numbers in the reservation system.

This update is part of ongoing efforts to decongest Varanasi Junction and utilize the expanded capabilities of the Banaras Railway Station.