Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh | November 8, 2025 – In a major push to modernize India’s rail network and enhance regional mobility, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency.
The launch, conducted from Banaras Railway Station (formerly Manduadih), significantly expands the semi-high-speed rail network, bringing the total number of operational Vande Bharat services in the country to over 160. The Prime Minister underscored the role of modern trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat in laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways.
🌟 Key Routes Flagged Off
While the Prime Minister physically flagged off the Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express from Varanasi, he virtually launched three other services, connecting key regions across the country:
| Route | Significance & Benefits | Travel Time Reduction (Approx.) |
| Banaras–Khajuraho | Direct link between revered religious and cultural sites (Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Khajuraho). Major boost for pilgrimage and heritage tourism. | 2 hours 40 minutes |
| Lucknow–Saharanpur | Enhances intra-state connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, linking the capital to the north-western part of the state and improving access to Haridwar (via Roorkee). | 1 hour |
| Firozpur–Delhi | Fastest train on this route, strengthening connectivity between the national capital and key cities in Punjab (Firozpur, Bathinda, Patiala), boosting trade and economy in border areas. | 6 hours 40 minutes (Total Journey) |
| Ernakulam–Bengaluru | Connects major IT, educational, and commercial hubs in Kerala and Karnataka, providing a faster travel option for professionals and students. | Over 2 hours |
🛤️ Focus on the Banaras–Khajuraho Route
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express is expected to be a major catalyst for religious and cultural tourism. The train links the spiritual hub of Varanasi (Banaras) with the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, connecting important destinations like Prayagraj and Chitrakoot along the way. This new direct connectivity will provide a fast, modern, and comfortable journey for pilgrims and tourists, saving significant travel time compared to existing special train services.
📈 Promoting ‘Devotion and Development’
In his address, PM Modi highlighted that the development of infrastructure, including the modern railway network, plays a crucial role in the nation’s progress. He emphasized that the Vande Bharat network is now blending devotion and development by linking sacred sites like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, and Kurukshetra, thereby significantly boosting economic activity and tourism in states like Uttar Pradesh.
The launch marks another significant step in the government’s vision to provide citizens with easier, faster, and world-class railway services, contributing to enhanced regional mobility and economic activity across the country.