PM Modi flags off four new Vande Bharat trains from Varanasi. Check routes

By Admin

08 Nov, 2025

In a major push to India’s rail infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi on Saturday. The new trains Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru are aimed at cutting travel time between key destinations while boosting regional mobility, tourism, and economic activity.

Addressing the public at the event, PM Modi highlighted the transformative power of connectivity, saying, “Infrastructure has played an important role in the development of most nations... The development of a city begins on its own as soon as it gets better connectivity. Infrastructure is not limited to huge bridges and highways.”

He also emphasized India’s rich spiritual heritage, calling pilgrimages a means of “awakening the country’s conscience.” PM Modi noted that the new Vande Bharat trains not only connect heritage cities but also accelerate overall development. “In the last 11 years, the developmental works in Uttar Pradesh have strengthened the economy. Last year, 11 crore devotees visited Baba Vishwanath, and over 6 crore devotees had darshan of Ram Lalla their visits have contributed thousands of crores to the state’s economy,” he added.

Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat

This train offers direct connectivity between two major cultural hubs, cutting the journey to about 2 hours 40 minutes compared to longer existing routes. It links important religious destinations like Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, enhancing access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site and giving a boost to pilgrimage and cultural tourism.

Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat

The Lucknow–Saharanpur service will take around 7 hours 45 minutes, reducing travel time by nearly an hour. It benefits passengers across central and western Uttar Pradesh, connecting cities like Sitapur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, and improving access to Haridwar via Roorkee. The train promises smoother, faster intercity travel across the region.

Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat

The new Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest option on this route, covering the distance in just 6 hours 40 minutes. It will strengthen connectivity between Delhi and Punjab’s key cities including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala while supporting trade, tourism, and employment in the border areas and improving integration with national markets.

Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat

In southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat cuts travel time by over two hours, completing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes. The route connects major IT and commercial hubs, offering a faster, more comfortable travel experience for professionals, students, and tourists. It is expected to enhance economic and tourism ties between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

With these additions, the Vande Bharat network continues to reshape India’s rail travel merging speed, comfort, and modern infrastructure while symbolizing the nation’s march towards a connected and developed Bharat.