Banaras, the station that took the city's old name
Banaras railway station (code BSBS) is one of Varanasi's main stations, run by the North Eastern Railway under its Varanasi division. For most of its life it was called Manduadih, after the area it stands in. Because of the heavy crush at Varanasi Junction, it was redeveloped as a well-equipped alternative and given a name that connects with the city's ancient identity.
From Manduadih to Banaras
- 1906: the station opens as a metre-gauge stop built by the Bengal and North Western Railway, on the Prayagraj–Mau–Gorakhpur main line constructed between 1899 and 1913.
- 1993–94: the line is converted to broad gauge.
- 16 September 2020: the Manduadih station is formally renamed Banaras, after railway officials argued the old name, taken from a local census town, did not reflect Varanasi's cultural heritage.
- July 2021: the station code changes from MUV to BSBS, with new signboards in Hindi, English, Sanskrit and Urdu.
An Adarsh station for Varanasi
Banaras is graded NSG-3 and listed as an Adarsh station, the railways' scheme for model stations. Facilities include computerised ticketing, luggage checking, parking, access for passengers with disabilities, a food plaza, a taxi stand and public transport links. There are 8 platforms on 11 tracks, about 81 metres above sea level.
Banaras or Varanasi Junction?
The two are separate stations run by different zones: Banaras by the North Eastern Railway, Varanasi Junction (BSB) by the Northern Railway. Many trains towards eastern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar use Banaras, so check the code on your ticket. A full list of Varanasi's stations is on the Varanasi Junction page.
Frequently asked questions
What was Banaras railway station called before?
It was Manduadih railway station, code MUV, until it was renamed Banaras in 2020 and given the code BSBS in 2021.
Which zone runs Banaras railway station?
The North Eastern Railway, through its Varanasi division.
Is Banaras the same as Varanasi Junction?
No. They are different stations; Varanasi Junction (BSB), also called Varanasi Cantt, belongs to the Northern Railway.
For train timings from BSBS, use our train schedule page.