TFP Bureau, Varanasi, November 8, 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi today, marking a major expansion of India’s high-speed rail network. The new services—Banaras–Khajuraho, Firozpur–Delhi, Lucknow–Saharanpur and Ernakulam–Bengaluru—take the total number of operational Vande Bharat trains in the country to more than 160.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister extended his greetings to the people of Varanasi, noting the festive atmosphere following Dev Deepawali, and termed the launch of the new trains a “festival of development.” He said that advanced transport infrastructure has been central to growth in developed nations and that India, too, is accelerating on this path.
“Trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways,” Shri Modi said, adding that Vande Bharat reflects the strength of “a train made by Indians, for Indians and of Indians.” He noted that the new trains represent milestones in India’s mission to build the resources of a developed nation.
A major highlight of the Prime Minister’s address was the growing connectivity of spiritual and heritage destinations. Citing Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot and Kurukshetra, he said the Vande Bharat network is linking sacred sites that embody India’s civilizational ethos. “This convergence of culture, faith and development is transforming heritage cities into symbols of national progress,” he said.
Shri Modi underscored the economic dimension of pilgrimage, noting that the influx of devotees has created sustained income opportunities for sectors ranging from hospitality to transport and traditional crafts. He said over 11 crore people visited Varanasi last year, while more than 6 crore devotees have visited Ayodhya since the Ram Temple’s inauguration, contributing thousands of crores of rupees to Uttar Pradesh’s economy.
The Prime Minister outlined the rapid pace of development in Varanasi—from improved hospitals, roads and digital connectivity to the ropeway project and new sports infrastructure. He said recent investments have transformed Varanasi into a health hub for eastern Uttar Pradesh, citing facilities such as the Mahamana Cancer Hospital, Shankar Netralaya, BHU’s trauma centre and the divisional hospital at Pandeypur. With Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, millions of patients are saving significant medical costs, he added.
At the event, Shri Modi also interacted with students who participated in competitions themed around Viksit Bharat, Viksit Kashi and Surakshit Bharat as part of the launch ceremony. Praising their creativity, he suggested organising a children’s literary meet and taking selected winners to other parts of the country.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present, while several dignitaries, including Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar and Union Ministers Suresh Gopi, George Kurian and Ravneet Singh Bittu, joined via videoconference.
Background
The four newly launched Vande Bharat trains significantly enhance connectivity across India:
• Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat: Saves nearly 2 hours 40 minutes and connects major religious and cultural centres including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho, bolstering pilgrimage and tourism.
• Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat: Covers the route in about 7 hours 45 minutes, improving access to Haridwar via Roorkee and benefiting passengers across central and western Uttar Pradesh.
• Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat: Now the fastest train on this route at 6 hours 40 minutes, strengthening Punjab’s connectivity with the national capital and supporting trade and employment in border districts.
• Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat: Cuts travel time by more than 2 hours, linking major commercial and IT hubs across Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka and promoting economic integration in southern India.
The new services are expected to improve regional mobility, boost tourism, and support economic activity, advancing the Prime Minister’s vision of providing world-class, efficient and comfortable rail travel for citizens.
