PM Modi flagged off four Vande Bharat Express Trains from Varanasi, improving connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, and Karnataka.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi on 8 November 2025. The launch marks another milestone in India’s railway modernization drive, improving connectivity across major regions and promoting economic and cultural development. The addition of these four services brings the total number of Vande Bharat trains in India to around 164.
During the inauguration ceremony at Banaras Railway Station, PM Modi said the Vande Bharat trains represent India’s progress in infrastructure and transportation. He highlighted that modern, high-speed rail services are helping boost regional growth, tourism, and trade while providing passengers with a comfortable and efficient travel experience.
New Routes to Boost Connectivity
The four newly introduced trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes. Each train has been designed to improve access between important cultural, business, and tourism destinations while reducing travel time and enhancing passenger comfort.
Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express connects two major cultural and religious destinations, Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh and Khajuraho in Madhya Pradesh. The train passes through Prayagraj Chheoki, Chitrakoot, Banda, and Mahoba, linking significant pilgrimage and heritage locations.
This train is expected to save nearly two hours and forty minutes compared with current express services. It will run six days a week, offering better connectivity for pilgrims and travelers heading to central India. The route is expected to play a major role in promoting religious tourism and regional development.
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Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat connects central and western Uttar Pradesh through Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, and Bijnor. The train will take around seven hours and forty-five minutes to complete the journey, cutting down travel time by about an hour.
This route will improve movement across several key districts and benefit daily commuters, students, and business travelers. It will also enhance trade and connectivity across the heart of Uttar Pradesh.
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express
The Firozpur–Delhi route strengthens the connection between Punjab and the national capital. It will operate via Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantt, Kurukshetra, and Panipat. The train will take approximately six hours and forty minutes, making it the fastest option on this corridor.
This service is expected to encourage trade, tourism, and employment opportunities in Punjab’s border areas. It will also offer passengers a faster and more comfortable travel option between Delhi and key towns in northern India.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express connects the IT hub of Bengaluru with Kerala’s commercial center, Ernakulam. The train will complete the journey in about eight hours and forty minutes, saving more than two hours compared with existing services.
This route will strengthen ties between Karnataka and Kerala, benefiting professionals, students, and tourists who frequently travel between these states. It will also promote regional business and tourism opportunities in South India.
Modern Design and Passenger Comfort
All four new trains are part of the indigenously built Vande Bharat series, manufactured at the Integral Coach Factory in Chennai under the Make in India initiative. The trains are equipped with advanced features such as faster acceleration, Wi-Fi connectivity, comfortable seating, automatic doors, and improved safety systems.
Their aerodynamic design and energy-efficient technology make them faster, quieter, and more environmentally friendly than traditional express trains. The introduction of these services also reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to offering passengers a world-class travel experience.
Driving Economic and Social Growth
Officials said the launch of these trains goes beyond improving travel options. It supports India’s larger goal of economic development by connecting key regions, enabling faster access to jobs, education, healthcare, and business hubs.
The Banaras–Khajuraho train will boost cultural tourism, while the Firozpur–Delhi and Lucknow–Saharanpur routes will enhance trade and local mobility. The Ernakulam–Bengaluru service will improve connectivity between two southern economic centers, benefiting both professionals and industries.
Challenges and Future Outlook
Ensuring the success of these services will depend on maintaining punctuality, cleanliness, and regular maintenance. Ticket availability, pricing, and better integration with local transport networks will be important to ensure smooth last-mile connectivity for passengers.
Despite these challenges, the launch of four new Vande Bharat Express routes marks a major advancement for Indian Railways. It highlights India’s growing capability to design, build, and operate world-class semi-high-speed trains that combine speed, safety, and comfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many new Vande Bharat trains were launched from Varanasi?
Four new Vande Bharat Express trains were flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi on November 8, 2025. - What are the new routes introduced?
The four routes are Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru. - How much travel time will passengers save?
Depending on the route, travel time reductions range from one hour to nearly three hours compared with existing trains. - What are the key features of the new Vande Bharat trains?
They include faster acceleration, comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, automatic doors, modern interiors, and advanced safety features. - How will these trains benefit passengers and regions?
They will improve regional connectivity, promote tourism, enhance trade, and provide passengers with faster, safer, and more comfortable travel options.
