PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express trains, strengthening India’s modern railway network and enhancing connectivity across major cultural, economic, and pilgrimage routes. The newly launched trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.

Addressing a large public gathering after the launch, Prime Minister Modi underlined the crucial role of infrastructure in nation-building. He said that infrastructure has played an important role in the development of most nations and that the growth of a city begins as soon as it gains better connectivity. He emphasized that infrastructure is not limited to huge bridges and highways but extends to efficient transport systems that drive regional development.

The Prime Minister added that these trains are not merely a mode of transport but a symbol of progress. He also highlighted the spiritual aspect of connectivity, calling pilgrimages a means of awakening the country’s conscience. Modi stated that the new trains not only connect heritage cities but also accelerate development. He further mentioned that, over the past decade, developmental projects in Uttar Pradesh have strengthened the state’s economy, citing the example of the 11 crore devotees who visited Baba Vishwanath and over 6 crore who had darshan of Ram Lalla, collectively contributing thousands of crores to the state’s economy.

The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will provide direct high-speed connectivity between two of India’s most prominent heritage destinations. The journey time has been reduced to approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, offering faster and more convenient travel. The route connects several important religious and cultural hubs, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, and improves access to the UNESCO World Heritage site. The new service is expected to boost cultural tourism and enhance the pilgrimage circuit in northern India.

The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will complete its journey in about 7 hours and 45 minutes, cutting travel time by nearly an hour. The train will serve passengers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, while also improving access to Haridwar through Roorkee. This improved route is expected to enhance intercity travel across central and western Uttar Pradesh, making travel more convenient for commuters, students, and business travelers.

On the Firozpur–Delhi route, the Vande Bharat Express will be the fastest train available, covering the distance in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. It will connect Delhi with key cities in Punjab such as Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala, strengthening economic and cultural ties between the regions. The service is expected to support trade, tourism, and employment in Punjab’s border areas, providing quicker access to national markets and reducing travel time for both business and leisure travelers.

In southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will complete its journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, reducing travel time by more than two hours. The route links major IT, educational, and commercial hubs, offering a faster and more comfortable journey for professionals, students, and tourists. By connecting Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, the new train will help boost regional economic activity, promote tourism, and strengthen inter-state cooperation.

The introduction of these four new trains marks another significant step in India’s commitment to developing a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly rail system. The Vande Bharat Express series represents the government’s vision of self-reliant and world-class rail infrastructure that combines speed, safety, and comfort. As India continues to expand its high-speed train network, these new routes are expected to enhance national mobility, stimulate tourism, and contribute to regional economic development. The initiative reaffirms the government’s dedication to building a strong, connected, and modern Bharat.