Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains that will connect important cities and regions across India. The launch event took place in Varanasi, where the Prime Minister inaugurated the new trains in the presence of Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and senior officials of the Railway Board.
The new Vande Bharat routes include Varanasi–Khajuraho (covering parts of Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh), Lucknow–Saharanpur (within Uttar Pradesh), Firozpur–Delhi (linking Punjab and the national capital), and Ernakulam–Bengaluru (connecting Kerala and Karnataka). These high-speed, semi-luxury trains are designed to reduce travel time, improve passenger comfort, and boost tourism and business activities between key destinations.
According to the Railways, the new trains will significantly improve travel convenience for passengers in northern and southern India. They will offer faster, cleaner, and more efficient journeys compared to existing services. The initiative is also expected to support economic growth by improving connectivity between religious, cultural, and industrial centres.
The Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat will save nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to current trains on the route. It will connect several famous religious and historical cities like Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho — the latter being a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its ancient temples. The route is expected to attract large numbers of domestic and foreign tourists visiting spiritual and cultural destinations across central India.
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will cover its journey in about 7 hours and 45 minutes, saving nearly an hour. It will pass through several districts, including Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Haridwar. The train is expected to benefit thousands of passengers who travel regularly between these regions for business, education, and religious visits.
The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat, connecting Punjab with the national capital, will complete the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. It will be the fastest train on this route and will serve major cities such as Bathinda and Patiala. Officials said the train will play a vital role in enhancing Punjab’s connectivity with Delhi, improving accessibility for students, traders, and office-goers.
In southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by more than two hours, completing the trip in 8 hours and 40 minutes. The train will link important commercial and technology hubs, helping professionals, students, and tourists travel faster and more comfortably. It will also strengthen economic ties between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
The launch of the four trains is seen as part of the government’s ongoing effort to expand the Vande Bharat network nationwide. These modern trains are fully air-conditioned and equipped with state-of-the-art features such as automatic doors, comfortable seating, and improved safety systems. They are designed to provide passengers with a premium experience while maintaining efficiency and punctuality.
Tourism experts have welcomed the move, saying it will give a major boost to travel and regional development. Rahul Mehta, president of the Tourism Welfare Association (TWA) based in Varanasi, said the Varanasi–Khajuraho route will have a “manifold rise” in the number of tourists. “The new Vande Bharat Express will make travel between Varanasi and Khajuraho faster and much more convenient. This will attract both Indian and foreign tourists,” he said.
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He added that many travelers who visit Khajuraho also plan to visit other spiritual destinations such as Vindhyachal and Chitrakoot, and the new train will make such multi-city tours easier. “The Panna Tiger Reserve near Khajuraho is also a major attraction for tourists from Varanasi. This improved connection will help boost eco-tourism and support local businesses,” Mehta explained.
According to Mehta, around 500,000 domestic tourists visited Khajuraho in 2024. This number is expected to increase to nearly 2 million in 2025 with the launch of the new Vande Bharat route. The number of international tourists is also expected to grow, as better transport facilities often lead to higher tourist inflow.
Railway officials said the new trains are part of the government’s vision to ensure faster connectivity between cultural, religious, and business centres. The Vande Bharat network has already become a symbol of modern India’s railway development, combining speed, comfort, and efficiency.
Prime Minister Modi has frequently highlighted the Vande Bharat project as a step towards making India’s transport system world-class. With these four new trains, the total number of Vande Bharat services across the country has now expanded significantly, covering a wider network of states and regions.
The Prime Minister, while addressing the event, said that faster connectivity would not only make travel easier but also create new opportunities for trade, tourism, and employment. “Every new train means new links between people, cultures, and economies,” he remarked.
The Vande Bharat Express project continues to reshape the experience of train travel in India. The newly launched services from Varanasi, Lucknow, Firozpur, and Ernakulam represent another important step toward connecting India’s diverse regions with speed, safety, and pride. As more routes are added in the coming months, these trains are set to become a vital part of India’s journey toward modern infrastructure and inclusive development.
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