PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains from Varanasi: Check Routes and Details
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, connecting Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru. The new routes aim to boost connectivity, tourism, and economic growth while significantly cutting travel time across key regions of India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, connecting major cities across India and cutting travel time significantly.
On Saturday, the Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, flagged off the inauguration of four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, taking the semi-high-speed rail network of India to new regions of their own across the country territory. These trains will run on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.
Thus, the intention of launching is to connect various regions, encourage tourism, and promote economic activities by reducing the time it takes to travel between major centers.
During the event, PM Modi said that infrastructure has always been the backbone on which development has rested for any major nation.
“The development of a city begins on its own as soon as it gets better connectivity. Infrastructure is not limited to bridges and highways—it fuels progress,” he said, addressing a gathering in Varanasi.
He added that pilgrimages serve as “a means of awakening the country’s conscience,” noting that the new trains connect heritage and religious hubs.
“Last year, 11 crore devotees visited Baba Vishwanath and over 6 crore devotees had darshan of Ram Lalla. These visits have contributed thousands of crores to Uttar Pradesh’s economy,” the Prime Minister said.
🚄 Routes and Key Details of the New Vande Bharat Trains
1. Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat
This new service will directly link two of India’s most prominent cultural and spiritual centres — Varanasi and Khajuraho.
Travel Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
Major Stops: Prayagraj, Chitrakoot
Significance: Enhances connectivity to the UNESCO World Heritage Site at Khajuraho, boosting cultural and pilgrimage tourism in central India.
2. Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat
The Lucknow–Saharanpur service will improve mobility across central and western Uttar Pradesh.
Travel Time: Around 7 hours 45 minutes (nearly 1 hour faster than before)
Key Stations: Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, Saharanpur
Connectivity: Provides easier access to Haridwar via Roorkee and faster intercity travel across Uttar Pradesh.
3. Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat
A new high-speed corridor between the national capital and Punjab’s border region.
Travel Time: 6 hours 40 minutes
Key Cities Covered: Firozpur, Bathinda, Patiala
Benefits: Boosts trade and tourism while strengthening Punjab’s integration with Delhi’s commercial network.
4. Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat
The southern route focuses on connecting major IT and commercial hubs.
Travel Time: 8 hours 40 minutes (over 2 hours faster)
Regions Covered: Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka
Impact: Expected to benefit professionals, students, and tourists while fostering stronger economic and tourism ties across South India.
🚆 Strengthening India’s Rail Revolution
With these additions, the Vande Bharat network continues to expand rapidly, offering faster, more comfortable, and energy-efficient travel options. The initiative aligns with the government’s vision of modernising Indian Railways and transforming it into a global benchmark in connectivity and passenger experience.
