PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains From Varanasi
Varanasi, 8th November 2025: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Banaras railway station in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The newly launched services will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.
The flag-off ceremony was held in Varanasi, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath present. Modi said that the new Vande Bharat trains would enhance connectivity and provide greater comfort to passengers. With this, the number of operational Vande Bharat trains in the country has crossed 160.
He said the Vande Bharat series represents a new era for Indian Railways and reflects India’s growing self-reliance in technology and manufacturing. Modi added that modern infrastructure plays a crucial role in driving regional and national development.
Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will establish direct connectivity between the two destinations, reducing travel time by about two hours and 40 minutes compared to existing special trains. The route connects several major religious and cultural centers, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho. According to an official statement, the service will support religious tourism and provide faster access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will cover the journey in approximately seven hours and 45 minutes, saving nearly one hour of travel time. The train will serve passengers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, and also improve connectivity to Haridwar via Roorkee. Officials said the service will enhance intercity travel and boost regional connectivity across central and western Uttar Pradesh.
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat
The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in six hours and 40 minutes. The new service will link Delhi with key cities in Punjab, including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala. The government said the train is expected to strengthen trade and tourism links and promote economic activity in border districts.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will cut travel time by over two hours, completing the journey in about eight hours and 40 minutes. The route will connect major business, IT, and academic hubs across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The Centre stated that the service will improve mobility for professionals, students, and tourists, promoting regional economic growth and collaboration.
With the launch of these new services, the Vande Bharat network continues to expand across the country, aimed at offering faster, more efficient, and comfortable intercity travel options.
