PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains, Boosting Connectivity Across India

Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express trains, expanding India’s rapidly growing fleet of semi-high-speed trains. The newly launched routes — Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru — are set to significantly enhance intercity connectivity, reduce travel time, and strengthen economic and cultural links across major regions of the country.

The Prime Minister flagged off the new trains from Varanasi, calling the moment a reflection of India’s ongoing transformation under the ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision. Each of the new routes connects key economic, cultural, and tourism hubs, aligning with the government’s broader goal of modernising rail infrastructure and improving passenger convenience.

The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will provide a direct, faster connection between two of India’s most prominent spiritual and heritage centres, cutting travel time by nearly three hours. Similarly, the Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will enhance regional mobility across Uttar Pradesh, linking key districts and offering smoother access to Haridwar via Roorkee.

In northern India, the Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express is expected to become the fastest service on the route, strengthening links between Punjab’s major cities — including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala — and the national capital.

Meanwhile, in southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will connect two vital IT and commercial hubs, reducing travel time by over two hours. The train is expected to boost tourism, trade, and economic cooperation between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.