North Karnataka to Kashi, three days a week: the Hubballi–Varanasi train is set for more trips

Anyone who has waited for a seat on the Hubballi–Varanasi run knows how tight the booking gets in Shravan. That pressure is about to ease: Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has assured that train numbers 07323/24, which link north Karnataka with Kashi, will soon be extended to three days a week. The assurance came at a meeting in New Delhi with Union Minister Pralhad Joshi, who represents Dharwad and had taken up the demand on behalf of travellers from that region. The extra trips matter in both directions. Pilgrims from Hubballi, Dharwad and the surrounding districts make the journey to Kashi in large numbers through Shravan and the festival months, and until now the limited frequency meant long waitlists and detours through other junctions. Tourists and business travellers use the same service. More running days should mean easier confirmations and fewer people paying a premium to reach Varanasi by a roundabout route. Joshi also asked for a modernisation of Hubballi station — better parking, shopping and dining space for passengers — and the minister agreed to examine it. For now the three-day frequency is an assurance rather than a published timetable, so anyone planning travel should check the running days on the railway's own booking system before making onward arrangements in Kashi.

Compiled by HelloBanaras from public sources: Mangalorean.com