Mathura and Aligarh are two significant cities in the state of Uttar Pradesh. Mathura is known for its religious tourism appeal, while Aligarh is renowned for education, business, and industrial activity. The distance between these cities is about 60 kilometers, but the lack of a direct railway connection creates inconvenience for passengers.
Although the main railway line passes through Mathura, direct rail access to Aligarh is still missing, which poses a problem for travelers. Even 79 years after gaining independence, the shortage of railway infrastructure remains the primary reason for this distance. In response to this issue, the railway has taken steps to address it.
Work has commenced on the Final Location Survey (FLS) for the proposed new railway line between Mathura and Aligarh. Additionally, the possibility of extending the Vande Bharat Agra-Varanasi express to Mathura is being considered. If both proposals receive approval, residents of Mathura and its surroundings may gain new options for rail travel.
Despite the main railway line passing through Mathura, the absence of a direct rail link to Aligarh has long been a serious concern for passengers. The goal of the proposed new railway line is to bridge this gap, providing convenience for people traveling between the two cities. The railway has begun conducting the FLS for the prospective rail link. This is an important step in advancing the plan to build a new railway line.
During the survey, the proposed trajectory and associated technical aspects will be evaluated. According to the plan, this railway line will connect Mathura with Aligarh via Medu station on the Mathura-Kasanj East-North Railway section. However, the start of the survey does not mean the project has received final construction approval; further decisions await project sanctioning, commencement of construction, and service start dates.
Mathura MLA Hema Malini had previously raised the issue of the need for a direct railway connection between the two cities. On September 14, she sent a letter to the General Manager of Central Railway Uttar Madhya, urging attention to this proposal. Following this, discussions took place between railway officials and MPs representing the Agra constituency regarding railway services and connectivity. Hema Malini emphasized that even 79 years after independence, there is no direct rail link between the two neighboring cities, causing daily difficulties for thousands of passengers. She stated that building a new line would simplify journeys and reduce travel time.
Alongside the proposal for a new railway line, another request for Mathura passengers is under discussion: considering the possibility of extending the Vande Bharat Agra-Varanasi express to Mathura. This would allow Mathura residents to utilize semi-high-speed train services. However, railway officials noted that sufficient servicing facilities must be developed at Mathura station for this extension. According to railway representatives, the proposal can only be considered further after these facilities are ensured. Currently, there is no set date for the approval or launch of the train extension.