Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express trains, further expanding India’s modern rail network. The new high-speed trains will run on Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes — connecting major cultural, religious, and commercial cities across the nation. With these launches, the Vande Bharat Express continues to redefine comfort, connectivity, and convenience for passengers across India.
While addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “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.” He added that pilgrimages help in “awakening the country’s conscience,” underlining how the new trains will bridge India’s spiritual and economic hubs. The Vande Bharat Express initiative highlights the country’s rapid progress in modern transport and tourism.
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express offers direct connectivity between two heritage-rich cities in just 2 hours and 40 minutes. Linking Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, it is set to boost pilgrimage and cultural tourism by connecting some of India’s most sacred and historic landmarks.
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time by almost an hour and connect Haridwar through Roorkee, benefiting passengers from central and western Uttar Pradesh. The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express, now the fastest train on this route, covers the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes, enhancing Punjab’s access to the national capital and supporting regional trade and employment.
In southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will cut travel time by more than two hours. Connecting key IT, educational, and commercial hubs, it will offer professionals, students, and tourists a faster, smoother option, while strengthening economic ties between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
FAQs
Q1: Which cities are connected by the new Vande Bharat Express routes?
A: The new trains link Banaras, Khajuraho, Lucknow, Saharanpur, Firozpur, Delhi, Ernakulam, and Bengaluru.
Q2: What is special about the Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express?
A: It connects two major cultural hubs in just 2 hours and 40 minutes, boosting heritage tourism.
Q3: How does Vande Bharat Express help passengers?
A: It reduces travel time, enhances comfort, and promotes economic and spiritual tourism across India.
Q4: What message did PM Modi share during the flag-off?
A: He highlighted the role of infrastructure and pilgrimages in shaping the nation’s development.
