PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains From Varanasi: A Major Boost to India’s Rail Revolution

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, marking another significant leap in India’s high-speed, semi-luxury rail connectivity. The event underscores the government’s mission to modernize Indian Railways and strengthen national integration through next-generation transportation.

The new trains are expected to enhance comfort, connectivity, and travel efficiency across key economic and cultural corridors.

🚆 The Four New Vande Bharat Routes

According to official announcements and Indian Railways, the new trains flagged off by PM Modi will operate on the following routes:

1. Ernakulam – Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express

   • Route: Ernakulam – Thrissur – Palakkad – Coimbatore – Salem – Krishnagiri – Bengaluru

   • Travel Time: Approx. 9 hours (2 hours less than existing trains)

   • Frequency: Six days a week

   • Special Feature: Kerala’s third Vande Bharat and the first connecting Bengaluru directly to Ernakulam.

2. Varanasi – Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express

   • Route: Varanasi – Prayagraj – Satna – Khajuraho

   • Significance: Strengthens spiritual and heritage tourism circuits between Kashi and Khajuraho.

   • Note: Operated as an unreserved service during the inaugural run.

3. Lucknow – Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express

   • Route: Lucknow – Bareilly – Moradabad – Muzaffarnagar – Saharanpur

   • Objective: To improve connectivity across industrial and educational hubs of Uttar Pradesh.

4. Firozpur – Delhi Vande Bharat Express

   • Route: Firozpur – Ludhiana – Ambala – Panipat – New Delhi

   • Travel Time: 6.5 hours

   • Significance: The new link is expected to boost business and tourism between Punjab and Delhi NCR.

🌟 Key Highlights from PM Modi’s Speech in Varanasi

During the launch ceremony at the Varanasi Cantt Railway Station, PM Modi said:

“Trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are not just new locomotives — they represent India’s commitment to becoming a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”

He emphasized that modern infrastructure is the backbone of a strong economy, highlighting the rapid expansion of India’s railway network as part of the broader infrastructure push.

The Prime Minister also conducted a roadshow through the streets of Kashi, receiving a warm welcome from thousands of citizens and BJP workers.

🧭 Why This Launch Matters

• Connectivity Boost: Direct connectivity between key pilgrimage, cultural, and economic cities.

• Reduced Travel Time: Up to 2–3 hours faster journeys on multiple routes.

• Passenger Comfort: World-class interiors, reclining seats, Wi-Fi, infotainment, and improved catering.

• Eco-Friendly Travel: Energy-efficient trains with regenerative braking and minimal emissions.

• National Integration: Links North, South, and Central India under the Vande Bharat network.

🛤️ Expansion of the Vande Bharat Network

With these new routes, India now operates 57 Vande Bharat Express trains nationwide, connecting over 230 cities.
The Indian Railways aims to launch 100+ trains by 2026 as part of its modernization plan.
Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, and Madhya Pradesh have emerged as major beneficiaries of this expansion.

💬 Public Response and On-Ground Celebrations

From Kashi to Coimbatore, citizens celebrated the inauguration with enthusiasm.
Union Ministers, MPs, and railway officials joined the flag-off events at multiple stations via video link.
In Kerala, Union Minister Suresh Gopi distributed chocolates to children onboard the new Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat, calling it a “symbol of India’s new speed.”

📈 Economic and Developmental Impact

Experts believe the launch will:

• Spur tourism and trade across connected cities.

• Decongest highways and air routes.

• Provide a boost to Make in India, as all Vande Bharat trains are indigenously built by the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.

• Create thousands of jobs in rail manufacturing and maintenance.

📸 Glimpses from Varanasi

The Varanasi railway station was decorated with lights, flowers, and cultural performances.
Crowds lined the platforms to witness the historic moment.
In his address, PM Modi reaffirmed his vision of transforming Indian Railways into the “engine of India’s growth journey.”

🧾 Final Take

The flagging off of four new Vande Bharat Express trains marks a milestone in India’s transportation revolution.
These trains represent not just technological advancement but also national aspiration — fast, modern, and connected.

With every new route, India inches closer to realizing PM Modi’s dream of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.