Couldn't agree more. Travel between BBK-LKO-CNB is now tougher than what it was a decade ago. They were touting metro as an alternative but even that hasn't covered Lucknow even, let alone extension outside. What's more important than VB is upgradation of speeds of tracks[which helps ALL trains] and doubling and tripling of tracks[can't stress this enough. This literally opens up entire new avenues for Railways and even passenger trains run on time then. Plus, moving freight also becomes easier on triple lines]. But rather than invest in long term solutions, they are investing in short term gimmecky affairs.
Also,...
more... what's the point of VB in the damn winters? It'll easily get late by atleast an hour in both directions due to fog. Who wishes to reach Delhi post midnight after sitting for 8+ hours in a premium train? A more appropriate benefit would have been another overnight train, even if it had been slower, IMO.And let the VB linger until summer comes.