Rajya Sabha MP and former Deputy Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Dr Dinesh Sharma, has advocated for transforming Lucknow into a major religious tourism hub by connecting it with prominent spiritual and cultural sites across India via new train routes and infrastructure upgrades.
Raising the matter under Special Mention in the Rajya Sabha, Dr Sharma stressed the strategic and spiritual importance of Lucknow home to the late former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee and called for investment in its railway infrastructure to serve both tourism and local economic growth.
Dr Sharma proposed the introduction of direct trains from Lucknow to three major pilgrimage destinations: Shri Khatu Shyam Temple (Ringas, Rajasthan), Mata Vaishno Devi (Katra, Jammu & Kashmir), and Mahakaleshwar Temple (Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh).
He noted that such routes would not only cater to millions of devotees in Uttar Pradesh but also support Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a ‘Developed India’ through inclusive infrastructure development.
Superfast Connectivity to Khajuraho via Mahoba
In addition, Dr Sharma supported a longstanding demand for a superfast train from Lucknow to Khajuraho via Mahoba.
The proposal, previously raised by a delegation led by former MP Shri Ganga Charan Rajput, seeks to improve access to the renowned UNESCO heritage site and reinforce cultural tourism circuits in Bundelkhand.
A central part of Dr Sharma’s proposal includes the construction of a new railway coaching terminal in Lucknow, designed to accommodate projected passenger growth over the next 20–25 years.
He emphasised that such an initiative would address congestion at existing stations and bolster the city’s readiness to host domestic and international tourists.
Highlighting the religious and cultural importance of Lucknow, referred to historically as Lakshman Nagari, Dr Sharma said that improved connectivity would provide easier access for pilgrims, encourage cultural exchange, generate local employment and stimulate tourism-based investments.
He added that with rapid economic development and increasing interest in spiritual tourism, Uttar Pradesh is witnessing a surge in visitors who seek seamless travel from the capital to sacred sites across the country.
Following his remarks in Parliament, Dr Sharma formally submitted a memorandum to the Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, urging the ministry to act promptly on the proposed rail projects.
The initiative, if implemented, is expected to position Lucknow as a central node in India’s religious tourism map and support the broader goal of transforming Uttar Pradesh into ‘Uttam Pradesh’.
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