India’s rail revolution expands as PM Modi unveils four new Vande Bharat Express trains
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, marking another milestone in India’s expanding high-speed rail network.
The new trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes, enhancing connectivity across India’s northern and southern regions.
Speaking at a public rally after the inauguration, PM Modi said that the Vande Bharat series represents the modern face of Indian Railways, offering citizens faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys.
“Trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for a new generation of Indian Railways,” he said.
“Infrastructure is a major factor in the economic growth of developed countries, and India too is moving rapidly on this path.”
Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat: Linking heritage and faith
The new Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will establish direct connectivity between the two cultural hubs, reducing travel time by around two hours and 40 minutes compared to existing special trains.
According to an official statement, the route will connect major religious and historical destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, strengthening cultural tourism and pilgrimage travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat: Strengthening Uttar Pradesh’s intercity travel
The Lucknow–Saharanpur route will cut journey time to seven hours and 45 minutes, saving nearly one hour.
The Centre said the train will benefit passengers across Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, and improve access to Haridwar via Roorkee.
Officials noted that the new service will play a “key role” in boosting regional development and streamlining intercity travel across central and western Uttar Pradesh.
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat: Fastest link between Punjab and the capital
The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will complete the journey in six hours and 40 minutes, becoming the fastest train on this route.
It will improve connectivity between Delhi and key Punjab cities such as Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala, while boosting trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.
The government said the service will foster greater integration with national markets, contributing to the socio-economic development of border regions.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat: Connecting southern tech and trade hubs
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will complete the journey in eight hours and 40 minutes, reducing travel time by more than two hours.
Officials said the train will connect major IT and commercial hubs in Kerala and Karnataka, providing a fast, reliable, and modern travel option for professionals, students, and tourists.
“The route will promote greater economic activity and tourism between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, supporting regional growth and collaboration,” the statement added.
PM Modi’s infrastructure push
The launch of the new trains underlines the government’s emphasis on infrastructure-led economic growth.
With Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat, and Namo Bharat trains now operating across the country, India continues to expand its semi-high-speed rail network aimed at improving passenger experience and national integration.
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