Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off four cutting-edge Vande Bharat Express trains on Friday from Varanasi, slashing travel times and supercharging connectivity across religious, cultural, and economic hubs. The new routes—Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru—promise faster journeys, enhanced passenger comfort, and a major boost to tourism and trade. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally inspected Varanasi railway station on Thursday, ensuring flawless security, cleanliness, and event coordination for the high-profile launch.
The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat will cut travel time by over two hours and forty minutes, linking sacred destinations like Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and the UNESCO-listed Khajuraho temples in a seamless high-speed corridor. This route is set to transform spiritual tourism, offering pilgrims and culture enthusiasts a swift, modern pilgrimage experience. Similarly, the Lucknow-Saharanpur train will shave nearly an hour off current schedules, improving access to Haridwar via Roorkee and strengthening ties between Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
In the north, the Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat will race through the journey in just six hours and forty minutes—making it the fastest link between Punjab’s border region and the national capital. This service aims to drive economic integration, support local industries, and empower communities along the frontier. Meanwhile, down south, the Ernakulam-Bengaluru express will trim over two hours from the trip, connecting Kerala’s commercial heart with India’s IT capital in under eight hours and forty minutes—ideal for professionals, students, and tech-driven growth.
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Ahead of the launch, CM Adityanath conducted a thorough review with railway and district officials, issuing strict directives for zero lapses in crowd management, hygiene, and safety protocols. The Press Information Bureau highlighted how these trains embody India’s vision of world-class rail infrastructure—fueling regional development, job creation, and seamless mobility. Each Vande Bharat features ergonomic seating, onboard Wi-Fi, automatic doors, and bio-vacuum toilets, redefining passenger expectations.
The Prime Minister’s two-day visit begins with spiritual immersion: Adityanath offered prayers at Kashi Vishwanath, Baba Kaal Bhairav, and Manikarnika Ghat’s Satua Baba Ashram, seeking divine blessings for public welfare. As Varanasi gears up for the grand event, these four trains signal more than speed—they represent India’s accelerating journey toward a connected, prosperous, and culturally vibrant future.
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