PM Modi to Flag Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains During Varanasi Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Friday, where he will inaugurate four new Vande Bharat Express trains, further expanding India’s growing network of semi-high-speed passenger services. The flag-off ceremony is scheduled for 8:15 a.m. at the Banaras (formerly Manduadih) Railway Station, marking another milestone in the government’s mission to modernize the country’s rail infrastructure.
New Routes to Enhance Connectivity Nationwide
The newly launched Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on four key routes — Varanasi–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru. Each route is designed to provide faster travel, improved comfort, and greater regional connectivity across northern and southern India.
According to Pankaj Kumar Singh, Chief Public Relations Officer of North Eastern Railway, the introduction of these trains is expected to reduce travel time, boost tourism, and strengthen trade between states. With this, India’s Vande Bharat fleet continues to grow, reflecting the Centre’s commitment to developing a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly railway system.
Route Details and Benefits
Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express
Connecting some of India’s most revered religious and cultural hubs, the Banaras–Khajuraho train will pass through Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, significantly cutting travel time by around 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing trains. Officials highlighted that this route will play a key role in promoting spiritual and heritage tourism, especially to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its historic temples and architecture.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express
The new Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will complete its journey in about 7 hours and 45 minutes, saving nearly one hour of travel time. The train will serve passengers across Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, while also providing improved access to Haridwar via Roorkee. The route aims to enhance regional mobility and economic development across central and western Uttar Pradesh.
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express
Expected to become the fastest train between Firozpur and Delhi, this service will cover the distance in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. The route will link the national capital with key Punjab cities including Bathinda and Patiala, offering better access for trade and travel. Railway officials noted that the train will help boost economic integration, employment, and tourism in border regions, particularly benefiting Punjab’s agrarian and industrial sectors.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
In southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru route promises to cut travel time by over two hours, completing the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes. This train will connect major IT and commercial hubs across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, catering to professionals, students, and tourists alike. The Railways stated that the route will foster economic cooperation, tourism growth, and regional connectivity across South India.
Prime Minister’s Two-Day Visit to Varanasi
PM Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Varanasi on Friday and Saturday, during which he will not only inaugurate the four new trains but also address a gathering of over 3,000 prominent citizens, including educationists, industrialists, and social leaders, at the Banaras Railway Station.
According to a statement from the Uttar Pradesh government, the Prime Minister will arrive at Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur on Friday evening, where he will be received by Governor Anandiben Patel, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries. From there, he will proceed to BHEL, Varanasi, with local BJP workers expected to greet him along the route at multiple points including Sant Atulanand Bypass, the FCI godown in BHEL, and the BHEL gate.
The visit underlines the Prime Minister’s continued focus on improving infrastructure, connectivity, and economic growth in his home constituency, while also reinforcing India’s momentum in building a next-generation rail network under the Vande Bharat initiative.
