People thought this was an airport - Then they realised it’s Banaras railway station

For years, Indian railway stations have carried a very specific reputation. Too many people, too much noise, constant announcements echoing over each other, bags piled up everywhere, and hygiene that’s… let’s just say hit or miss.

For most of us, stations were never places you lingered in. You rushed through them, eyes fixed on the platform number, praying your train hadn’t already left.But that old picture is slowly cracking. And in some cities, it’s breaking completely.One such surprise comes from Varanasi.A recent post on X stopped people mid-scroll after photos of Banaras City Railway Station began doing the rounds. At first glance, many thought it was an airport terminal.

Clean lines, open spaces, glass everywhere. No clutter. No chaos. Just calm.

The station looks nothing like the version most travellers have grown up with. The platforms are wide and spotless. The concourse feels airy and bright, thanks to large glass panels and a smart, open layout. Centralised air-conditioning keeps the space comfortable, while broad walkways make moving around surprisingly easy - even with luggage in tow.

The post that sparked the buzz summed it up neatly: “There are quite a few good railway stations in India… and then there is Banaras City Station.” Many agreed. Some even joked that they’d happily arrive early just to sit there.This transformation didn’t happen overnight. Banaras City Station is part of the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, a massive railway modernisation plan aimed at upgrading over 1,300 stations across the country.

The idea is simple but ambitious: turn stations into cleaner, more accessible, city-friendly spaces rather than just transit points.As part of the revamp, the station now offers facilities that feel straight out of an airport playbook -modern waiting lounges, a large central concourse, digital information displays, improved food options, and far better restrooms. Practical upgrades like escalators, lifts, charging points, and Wi-Fi have also been added, making life easier for daily commuters and long-distance travellers alike.There’s even a small but symbolic shift. The station’s code has changed from BSBS to BNRS, signalling a fresh identity to go with the new look.Banaras City’s makeover is also part of a bigger plan for Varanasi as a whole. Indian Railways is working on a combined redevelopment strategy for the city’s three key stations—Kashi, Banaras, and Varanasi Cantt. The goal is to massively scale up capacity, with daily train handling expected to jump from roughly 150 trains to anywhere between 400 and 500 in the future.That means new platforms, expanded tracks, and smarter station layouts designed to reduce congestion and improve how trains move through the city.What’s especially interesting is that the redesign isn’t just about glass and steel. Local culture hasn’t been ignored. Elements of regional art, heritage, and architecture are being woven into station designs, so the spaces still feel rooted in their city rather than looking like copy-paste terminals.If Banaras City Station is any indication, the era of “just survive the station” might finally be ending. And honestly? That’s a change most Indian travellers didn’t know they needed—but are very happy to see.