PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains from Varanasi, Boosting National Connectivity
Presently, 150 Vande Bharat train services are operational across vast network. (Image: Ministry of Railways)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express trains from his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, further expanding India’s high-speed rail network. The newly launched trains will run on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.
PM Modi Highlights India’s Railway Transformation
Addressing a large gathering after the launch, PM Modi said the Vande Bharat initiative represents “a train made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians.” He emphasized that the growing fleet of Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat trains is laying the foundation for a new generation of Indian Railways. With the new additions, the total number of operational Vande Bharat trains has now crossed 160.
The Prime Minister noted that modern infrastructure plays a key role in national growth, stating that “whenever such systems are developed anywhere, it sparks overall development of that region.” Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also present at the ceremony.
Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat: Connecting Cultural and Religious Heritage
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will directly link Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, some of India’s most prominent cultural and spiritual centers. The new train will cut travel time by nearly two hours and forty minutes compared to existing services. This route is expected to significantly boost tourism, especially to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat: Faster Travel Across Uttar Pradesh
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will cover the journey in about seven hours and forty-five minutes, saving nearly an hour of travel time. It will benefit passengers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur while also improving access to Haridwar via Roorkee. The route aims to strengthen regional connectivity and spur economic growth across central and western Uttar Pradesh.
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat: Strengthening Punjab–Delhi Links
The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express will be the fastest train on the route, completing the journey in just six hours and forty minutes. The train is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and employment between Delhi and key Punjab cities including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala. The Centre said this service will support socio-economic development and bring border regions closer to the national mainstream.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat: Boost for Southern Connectivity
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time by more than two hours, completing the journey in eight hours and forty minutes. Connecting key IT and business hubs, the train will make travel smoother for professionals, students, and tourists across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The route is also expected to stimulate regional economic activity and tourism.
PM Modi said these new services will “enhance connectivity and provide greater comfort” to passengers while reinforcing India’s march towards modern, world-class railway infrastructure.
