The new Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on the Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes. By reducing travel time between major destinations, these trains will improve regional mobility, promote tourism, and boost economic activity nationwide.
PM Modi (Photo Credits: ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from the Varanasi railway station, signifying a major upliftment to rail connectivity and infrastructure across India.
With the latest launch, India now has over 160 Vande Bharat trains in operation. PM Modi congratulated citizens, saying,
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“Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat represent the new generation of Indian Railways.” Calling the event a “festival of development,” he added, “The countries that have witnessed economic progress have seen infrastructure play a massive role.”
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While addressing a public gathering in Varanasi, PM Modi said, “I met a few children here who participated in a competition. A new tradition has begun — wherever a Vande Bharat train is launched, such competitions are organised. The portraits they have created on the themes of Viksit Bharat and Secure Bharat fill me with immense pride as the MP from Varanasi.”
#WATCH | Varanasi, UP | PM Modi interacts with children onboard the New Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express, flagged off today
PM Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Banaras Railway Station. The new Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on… pic.x.com/HHJeJ03DnY
— ANI (@ANI) November 8, 2025
Highlighting the city’s transformation, he noted, “Around 10–11 years ago, BHU was the only option for serious illnesses, and even after standing in queues all night, many couldn’t get treatment. Some even had to sell their land to go to Delhi or Mumbai for medical care. Today, Varanasi has world-class healthcare facilities.”
Linking heritage and modern development, PM Modi said, “For centuries, pilgrimages have been the means of awakening the country’s conscience. These trains not only connect heritage cities but also accelerate development.
Last year, 11 crore devotees visited Baba Vishwanath and over 6 crore visited Ram Lalla, their visits have contributed thousands of crores to the state’s economy.”
The new Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on the Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes. By reducing travel time between major destinations, these trains will improve regional mobility, promote tourism, and boost economic activity nationwide.
The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat will establish a direct link on this route, saving about 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to the special trains currently in operation. The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will link some of India’s most revered religious and cultural destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho.
This connection will not only enhance religious and cultural tourism but also offer pilgrims and travellers a fast, modern, and comfortable journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.
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