Varanasi /New Delhi, 8 November (H.S.): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains today on Saturday, in a major expansion of India's modern rail network. The Prime Minister, who arrived in his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi on Friday evening, will inaugurate the new services from the Varanasi station at approximately 8:15 AM.
PM Modi arrived at the Lal Bahadur Shastri International Airport in Babatpur around 5 PM yesterday on Friday and is staying overnight at the Bareka Guest House before the morning's event. The launch marks a significant step in the government's vision to provide faster, more comfortable, and world-class travel experiences for its citizens.
The new semi-high-speed trains will connect key cultural, commercial, and religious hubs across several states.
New Routes and Enhanced Connectivity
The four new routes will enhance regional mobility, promote tourism, and bolster economic activity across the country by significantly reducing travel times.
Banaras–Khajuraho Route
This service establishes direct connectivity between the spiritual city of Varanasi and the UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho, saving approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes in travel time compared to existing special trains. The train, numbered 26422/26421, will cover the 443-kilometer distance in about 7 hours and 40 minutes, operating six days a week, excluding Thursdays.
It will connect the revered destinations of Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, providing a modern and comfortable journey for pilgrims and tourists.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Route
Connecting central and western Uttar Pradesh, this train will complete its 518-kilometer journey in approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, saving nearly an hour of travel time. The service (train number 26504/26503) will operate six days a week, except for Mondays, and will halt at Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Najibabad, and Roorkee, improving access to the holy city of Haridwar.
Firozpur–Delhi Route
Strengthening the connection between Punjab's border regions and the national capital, this train is set to be the fastest on its route, completing the 486-kilometer journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes . The service (train number 26462/26461) will run six days a week, excluding Wednesdays, and will connect key Punjabi cities like Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala to Delhi, aiming to boost trade and socio-economic development.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Route
In Southern India, this new Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time between the major IT and commercial hubs of Ernakulam and Bengaluru by over two hours, completing the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes. The train will be Kerala's first inter-state Vande Bharat, connecting it with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka via key stops including Coimbatore, Salem, and Thrissur.
This route is expected to provide a significant boost to professionals, students, and tourists, fostering greater regional growth and collaboration.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
