Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, November 8, flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Banaras Railway Station in Uttar Pradesh. The new Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes. He also interacted with children onboard the New Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express, flagged off today.
Speaking after the inauguration, PM Modi highlighted that pilgrim destinations are now being connected through the Vande Bharat network. He emphasised that this initiative not only promotes India’s heritage cities as symbols of national progress but also has significant economic benefits. He added that Vande Bharat trains are emerging as a significant milestone in the country’s mission to build a Viksit Bharat, connecting sacred cities and heritage sites through a modern rail network.
“Pilgrim places are being connected via Vande Bharat network. This is a step towards making the heritage cities of India a symbol of the nation’s progress. There is also an economic side to these yatras… Last year, 11 crore devotees came to Kashi. After the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, more than 6 crore devotees visited Ayodhya. UP’s economy has benefitted because of this,” he said.]
PM Modi flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains
The new Vande Bharat express trains aim to provide easier, faster, and more comfortable travel through world-class railway services. Operated on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes, these trains will significantly reduce travel time between major destinations, facilitate inter-state travel, enhance regional mobility, promote tourism, and support economic activity across the country.
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Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat will provide direct connectivity between the two cities and save about 2 hours 40 minutes compared to the special trains currently in operation. Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh commuters will benefit from this train. It will also connect some of India’s most famous religious and cultural destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho. To boost cultural tourism, this Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat will prove helpful.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat express will cover the journey in approximately 7 hours 45 minutes, saving nearly 1 hour of travel time. It will link Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, benefitting passengers in Western Uttar Pradesh. The train will also improve access to Haridwar via Roorkee. Through this Vande Bharat train, one can expect smoother and faster intercity travel.
The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in just 6 hours 40 minutes. The train will strengthen connectivity between Delhi and key cities in Punjab, including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala. It is also expected to boost trade, tourism, and generated employment opportunities.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat
While northern India will receive three trains, southern India is set to get the fourth and the much-anticipated one. The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by over 2 hours, completing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes. This train service is set to benefit commuters from the two major southern states, Karnataka and Kerala by offering improved rail connectivity, reduced travel time and a comfortable journey. The train will connect major IT and commercial hubs, providing professionals, students, and tourists with a faster and more comfortable travel option.
