PM Modi To Flag Off 4 New Vande Bharat Trains: Key Routes And Highlights

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to inaugurate four new Vande Bharat Express trains during his two-day visit to Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed all arrangements at the railway station ahead of the Prime Minister’s visit to ensure a seamless and well-coordinated event.

PM Modi’s Upcoming Visit

PM Modi’s visit will begin on Friday, marking yet another milestone in India’s high-speed rail expansion. He will flag off the new Vande Bharat trains operating on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes. These routes have been strategically chosen to enhance inter-state connectivity and boost regional development .

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, during his inspection, directed officials to ensure top-notch cleanliness, effective traffic management, and tight security around the event venue. He emphasised that all departments must work in perfect coordination to make the Prime Minister’s visit a success.

Trains That Will Redefine Connectivity

According to the Press Information Bureau (PIB), the new Vande Bharat Express trains will not only reduce travel time but also strengthen regional mobility, promote tourism, and support economic growth.

The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat will establish direct connectivity between the two destinations, cutting the travel time by approximately two hours and forty minutes compared to current services. The route will link “some of India's most revered religious and cultural destinations”, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho. “This link will not only strengthen religious and cultural tourism but also provide pilgrims and travellers with a fast, modern, and comfortable journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.”

The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will complete the journey in nearly seven hours and forty-five minutes, saving close to one hour of travel time. This train will also improve access to the holy city of Haridwar through Roorkee, benefiting both pilgrims and daily commuters.

For travellers in North India, the Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will become the fastest service on this route, completing the journey in about six hours and forty minutes. It will strengthen connectivity between Delhi and key regions of Punjab, boosting trade opportunities, regional development, and market integration.

Down South, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will shorten the journey by over two hours, taking just eight hours and forty minutes to cover the distance. It will offer a faster and more comfortable travel option for professionals, students, and tourists between two major commercial and IT hubs.

Spiritual Start To The Visit

Before reviewing the event preparations, Chief Minister Adityanath began his day with spiritual visits to some of Varanasi’s most sacred temples. He offered prayers at the Baba Kal Bhairav temple, revered as the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi, and later performed the ‘Shodashopachar’ ritual at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, praying for the happiness and prosperity of the people. The temple echoed with chants of ‘Har Har Mahadev’ during the ceremony.

He also visited the Satua Baba Ashram at Manikarnika Ghat, offering prayers at the Shiva temple and meeting Santosh Das Maharaj, the disciple of Satua Baba.

Boost To India’s Modern Rail Journey

The inauguration of these four Vande Bharat trains marks another step in India’s journey towards modern, high-speed, and comfortable rail travel. With these new additions, the Vande Bharat network continues to connect cultural, commercial, and technological hubs across India - reflecting the government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s railway infrastructure and enhancing passenger experience.