Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, marking a major step forward in India’s ongoing railway modernisation drive.
The new semi-high-speed trains will operate on the following routes:
Banaras–Khajuraho
Lucknow–Saharanpur
Firozpur–Delhi
Ernakulam–Bengaluru
These trains are designed to enhance regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and boost tourism and trade across key regions of the country.
Banaras–Khajuraho: Cultural Corridor Connection
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat offers direct connectivity between two of India’s major cultural and religious hubs, reducing the journey time by around 2 hours and 40 minutes.
The train will connect cities including Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Chitrakoot, making pilgrimages to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho faster and more convenient for passengers.
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Lucknow–Saharanpur: Faster Travel Across Uttar Pradesh
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will cover its route in approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, cutting the travel time by nearly one hour.
The train will connect key cities across central and western Uttar Pradesh, such as Bareilly, Moradabad, and Bijnor, and improve access to Haridwar via Roorkee.
Firozpur–Delhi: Fastest Link Between Punjab and Capital
The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest train on the route, completing the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes.
This new service will strengthen connectivity between the national capital and Punjab’s important cities — Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala. It is expected to boost trade, tourism, and employment opportunities in the border state.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru: Southern Growth Route
In southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will finish its journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, reducing the current travel time by more than two hours.
Connecting key IT and commercial hubs across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, this route is expected to enhance business travel, tourism, and regional economic growth.
A Milestone in India’s Rail Modernisation
With these new routes, the Vande Bharat network continues to expand, offering faster, cleaner, and more efficient train travel for passengers across India. The initiative aligns with the government’s broader goal of transforming the nation’s rail infrastructure through high-speed and modern transportation solutions.
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