PM flags off 4 new Vande Bharat Express trains
By Arun Kumar Das
New Delhi, Nov 8 (BVI): The network of Vande Bharat Express trains was expanded further today with four more such faster and modern locomotives being flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
“These trains will enhance connectivity and provide greater comforts to citizens,” Modi said after flagging off the trains, including one in his Lok Sabha constitutency of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.
He said trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways.
Noting that robust infrastructure has been a major driver of economic growth across the developed nations, he said India too is rapidly striding on this path.
In this context, the Prime Minister announced the launch of new Vande Bharat trains across various regions of the country.
The trains flagged off today were Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat, Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat, Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat.
With these four new trains, the total number of operational Vande Bharat trains in the country has now exceeded 160.
He described Vande Bharat as a train made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians—one that fills every Indian with pride. He noted that even foreign passengers are astonished upon seeing Vande Bharat.
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat will establish direct connectivity on this route and save about 2 hours 40 minutes compared to the special trains currently in operation.
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will connect some of India’s most revered religious and cultural destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho.
This link will not only strengthen religious and cultural tourism but also provide pilgrims and travelers with a fast, modern, and comfortable journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will cover the journey in approximately 7 hours 45 minutes, saving nearly 1 hour of travel time.
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will greatly benefit passengers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, while also improving access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee. By ensuring smoother and faster intercity travel across central and western Uttar Pradesh, this service will play a key role in enhancing connectivity and regional development.
The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in just 6 hours 40 minutes.
The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express will strengthen connectivity between the national capital and key cities in Punjab, including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala. This train is expected to boost trade, tourism, and employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic development of border regions and fostering greater integration with national markets.
In Southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by over 2 hours, completing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes.
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will connect major IT and commercial hubs, providing professionals, students, and tourists with a faster and more comfortable travel option. The route will promote greater economic activity and tourism between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, supporting regional growth and collaboration. (BVI)
