PM Modi to flag off four new Vande Bharat trains from Varanasi on 8th November

Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Varanasi on 8th November at around 8:15 AM to inaugurate four new Vande Bharat Express trains, a key step in expanding India’s modern railway network. The launch reflects the government’s vision of providing faster, safer, and more comfortable travel for citizens while enhancing connectivity, tourism, and regional economic development.

The new services will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes, significantly reducing travel times and improving passenger convenience. These trains will not only benefit daily travellers but also boost tourism and trade across multiple regions.

The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will directly connect Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, cutting travel time by about 2 hours 40 minutes compared to existing special trains. This route will strengthen cultural and religious tourism, allowing pilgrims and tourists to reach the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho and other spiritual destinations more quickly and comfortably.

In Northern India, the Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will cover the journey in approximately 7 hours 45 minutes, saving nearly one hour. The train will serve Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, while improving access to Haridwar via Roorkee. By enhancing intercity connectivity in central and western Uttar Pradesh, this service will support regional development and facilitate smoother travel for commuters, tourists, and pilgrims alike.

The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express will complete the route in just 6 hours 40 minutes, becoming the fastest train on this corridor. It will connect Delhi with key cities in Punjab, including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala. The improved speed and comfort are expected to encourage trade, tourism, and employment opportunities, particularly in border regions, while integrating them more closely with national markets.

In Southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time by over 2 hours, completing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes. The service will link major IT and commercial hubs across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, benefiting professionals, students, and tourists. By improving accessibility, the train will promote regional economic activity, facilitate cultural exchange, and support tourism across the southern states.

With modern coaches, faster speeds, and enhanced passenger amenities, these new Vande Bharat trains promise to make travel more reliable, comfortable, and efficient. They represent a significant step in realising the Prime Minister’s vision of world-class railway infrastructure, supporting economic growth, tourism, and regional connectivity across India.