PM Modi flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today asserted that trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways.

The Prime Minister was addressing the gathering after flagging off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh.

PM Modi flagged off the Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat train from Varanasi Railway Station, along with three other Vande Bharat trains, virtually to enhance connectivity in major regions of the country. They will operate on the Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes.

Highlighting the importance of reforms in Indian Railways, the Prime Minister said, now even foreign tourists are amazed to see the Vande Bharat trains.

PM Modi noted that more than 160 Vande Bharat Express trains are now operating in the country and congratulated the citizens of the country on this achievement.

Highlighting the importance of infrastructure in the development of a region, PM Modi stated that a city begins to develop on its own when it gets better connectivity.

He stressed that infrastructure is a major factor in economic growth of developed countries adding that India is also moving fast on path of development.

Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were also  present at the event.

Later, Prime Minister Modi interacted with children onboard the New Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express, flagged off today. 

By significantly reducing travel time between major destinations, the four Vande Bharat trains will enhance regional mobility, promote tourism, and support economic activity across the country.

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.

It will connect some of India’s most revered religious and cultural destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho. The Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat will cover the journey in approximately 7 hours 45 minutes, saving nearly 1 hour of travel time.

It 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.

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.

In Southern India, the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by over 2 hours, completing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes.

It will connect major IT and commercial hubs, providing professionals, students, and tourists with a faster and more comfortable travel option.

The Prime Minister reached his parliamentary constituency Varanasi last evening. Upon Mr Modi’s arrival, the people of the city and party workers gave him a grand welcome.