PM Modi Unveils Four Vande Bharat Trains, Cutting Travel Time Across Major Corridors
PM launches high-speed routes from Varanasi.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi on Saturday, expanding India’s semi-high-speed rail network across key religious, commercial, and cultural corridors. The trains—connecting Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru—promise significant time savings and enhanced passenger comfort, reinforcing the government’s vision for modernized rail infrastructure.
Speaking at a public rally post-launch, PM Modi emphasized the role of advanced trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat in building a new era for Indian Railways. “Infrastructure is a major driver of economic growth in developed nations, and India is rapidly advancing on this path,” he stated. The initiative aligns with ongoing efforts to boost connectivity, tourism, and regional development.
The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat slashes travel time by 2 hours and 40 minutes, linking spiritual hubs including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temples. The Lucknow-Saharanpur service cuts nearly an hour, benefiting passengers in Bareilly, Moradabad, and Bijnor while improving access to Haridwar via Roorkee.
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The Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat, the fastest on its route, completes the journey in 6 hours and 40 minutes, connecting Punjab’s border regions with the national capital to spur trade and employment. Meanwhile, the Ernakulam-Bengaluru train reduces travel by over two hours, fostering economic ties between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka’s IT corridors.
Each train features modern amenities, including onboard Wi-Fi, automatic doors, and ergonomic seating. With over 100 Vande Bharat services now operational, the network continues to transform intercity travel, supporting tourism, business, and pilgrimage while driving India toward a $5 trillion economy.
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