Varanasi Shines as a Growing Railway Export Hub, Offering Unique Tourism Opportunities

Published on December 17, 2025

Varanasi, the spiritual heart of India, is now making waves as a hub for high-tech railway locomotive exports. Known for its rich cultural and religious significance, the city is witnessing a new industrial chapter with the Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW) leading the way. This shift not only highlights the city’s industrial growth but also offers exciting new avenues for tourism, blending India’s ancient heritage with modern engineering achievements.

Banaras Locomotive Works, located in the heart of Varanasi, is rapidly gaining international recognition. The factory, which is part of the Indian Railways network, has been successfully producing and exporting state-of-the-art locomotives to countries across the globe. Most recently, in December 2025, BLW shipped the sixth of ten 3300-horsepower diesel-electric locomotives to Mozambique as part of an ongoing contract. This significant achievement reflects India’s rising stature in the global railway sector. The success of BLW’s export efforts demonstrates not only India’s engineering capabilities but also the potential for tourism development centered around industrial heritage.

This development presents a unique opportunity to attract tourists who may be interested in exploring India’s industrial progress alongside its timeless cultural attractions. The locomotives built in Varanasi are designed to operate on international rail systems, including Cape Gauge, which is widely used in parts of Africa. These modern, high-performance trains reflect India’s technological prowess and serve as a testament to Varanasi’s growing influence on the global stage.

For tourists visiting Varanasi, this evolving industrial landscape adds an exciting new layer to their experience. While the city has long been a magnet for pilgrims and history enthusiasts, the growing prominence of BLW creates a fresh reason to explore the city. The blend of ancient spiritual landmarks with cutting-edge industrial achievements creates a unique juxtaposition, offering a rich, multi-dimensional experience for those keen on exploring the modern side of India.

Tourists visiting Varanasi are not only drawn to the religious and historical significance of the Ganges, temples, and ghats but now can take an interest in the achievements of Indian Railways. The rise of the Make in India initiative, which aims to boost Indian manufacturing and global exports, further strengthens the city’s appeal. The successful export of these locomotives is part of a broader strategy to position India as a leader in global manufacturing. It highlights Varanasi’s role as a hub for both cultural tourism and industrial development.

The locomotive export contract to Mozambique exemplifies India’s industrial and diplomatic strategy. By supporting global infrastructure development, India is building stronger ties with nations across Africa and Asia. For Varanasi, this export success enhances its reputation as a center of innovation, offering visitors an intriguing glimpse into the world of industrial manufacturing.

Local tourism stakeholders have started incorporating this industrial heritage into their offerings. Factory tours at BLW or visits to the Indian Railways museums now attract niche tourists, including railway enthusiasts and students of engineering. The integration of modern industrial landmarks into traditional tourism itineraries offers a fresh perspective on Varanasi’s evolving narrative, moving beyond the conventional focus on spiritual tourism.

Moreover, this export success is also a source of pride for locals. Varanasi’s tourism sector can leverage this to attract more business and leisure visitors alike. The economic boost generated by industrial growth helps support local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and transport services, which benefit from increased visitor numbers. Local guides now provide detailed explanations of the city’s new industrial achievements, merging them with traditional stories of its temples, festivals, and ghats.

The success of BLW is also tied to the larger Make for the World vision. This initiative, promoted by the Indian government, is helping transform India into a global manufacturing powerhouse. Through this initiative, India is gradually becoming a major exporter of rail locomotives and rolling stock to countries worldwide. For tourists, this shift presents a fascinating layer of exploration, where they can witness first-hand the fusion of technological innovation and cultural depth.

As the city continues to export high-performance locomotives to Mozambique, Sri Lanka, and other parts of the world, Varanasi’s status as a dual destination—rooted in spirituality and advancing in industrial innovation—becomes even more pronounced. International visitors to Varanasi now have new reasons to stay longer, exploring both its ancient temples and its burgeoning industrial achievements.

Tourism authorities in Varanasi are also considering the creation of new tourism routes that combine cultural heritage with industrial experiences. These routes could take tourists from the famous Kashi Vishwanath Temple to the Banaras Locomotive Works, offering a perfect blend of history, spirituality, and modern engineering. Such initiatives are expected to further boost the city’s tourism sector, making it an even more dynamic destination.

Varanasi is quickly becoming a symbol of how a city can balance rich traditions with modern growth. The expanding industrial prowess of BLW is reshaping the city’s identity, offering tourists new ways to engage with both India’s ancient culture and its bright industrial future. For those looking to explore the intersection of spirituality and innovation, Varanasi is undoubtedly becoming an even more attractive destination.