All these routes strengthen India's rail connectivity by linking cultural, commercial, and spiritual hubs across regions.
PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains From Varanasi, An Addition to India’s High-Speed Rail Revolution
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off “four new Vande Bharat Express trains” from “Varanasi”, his parliamentary constituency. It added another major stride in India’s fast-growing network of semi-high-speed trains.
The new additions—“Banaras–Khajuraho”, “Lucknow–Saharanpur”, “Firozpur–Delhi”, and “Ernakulam–Bengaluru”—are focused on making travel faster, more comfortable, and more reliable. All these routes strengthen India’s rail connectivity by linking cultural, commercial, and spiritual hubs across regions.
Addressing a large public gathering, PM Modi described this launch as a “festival of development”, saying that “infrastructure is the foundation of any nation’s progress”.
“Infrastructure is not just about big bridges or highways. When modern systems like Vande Bharat reach a region, it sparks development and creates opportunities for everyone,” he said.
The Prime Minister emphasised that these new trains symbolise “India’s growing self-reliance” under the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” mission. “Vande Bharat is a train made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians—one that fills every Indian with pride,” he said, as Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath joined him on stage.
“Connecting Heritage, People and Economy,”
Each of the new routes has been chosen carefully to blend connectivity with cultural and economic benefits. The “Banaras–Khajuraho” train will directly link heritage sites such as “Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho”. It will save more than two and a half hours of travel time.
Similarly, the “Lucknow–Saharanpur” service will cut journey time to under eight hours. It will improve access to “Haridwar” via Roorkee and benefit cities across western Uttar Pradesh.
“Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat” will be the fastest on its route, connecting key Punjab cities like “Bathinda” and “Patiala”. It will boost trade and job growth.
The “Ernakulam–Bengaluru” service will connect major IT and business hubs. It will reduce travel time by over two hours and promote economic activity across “Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka”.
With these trains, the total number of operational “Vande Bharat trains now exceeds 160.” It reinforces India’s commitment towards modern, efficient, and passenger-centric transport.
