Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains during his visit to Varanasi. The trains will run on Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.

He said the new trains would make travel faster, safer, and more comfortable. The move aims to boost tourism, trade, and development across major regions.

Banaras–Khajuraho Route to Promote Religious Tourism

The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will link major spiritual sites like Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho. It will save around 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing trains.

Officials said this route will attract more pilgrims and tourists. It will also improve access to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Lucknow–Saharanpur Route to Cut Travel Time

The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will finish its journey in 7 hours and 45 minutes, saving almost an hour. It will connect Lucknow, Bareilly, Moradabad, and Saharanpur, and give easier access to Haridwar through Roorkee.

Authorities said this train will strengthen regional connectivity and support economic growth in Uttar Pradesh.

Firozpur–Delhi Train to Link Punjab with NCR

The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express will be the fastest train on this route. It will cover the distance in just 6 hours and 40 minutes.

The train will connect Delhi with key Punjab cities such as Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala. Officials said it will help boost trade, tourism, and jobs in border districts.

Ernakulam–Bengaluru Route to Strengthen South India

The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will take 8 hours and 40 minutes, cutting over two hours from the current travel time. It will connect major IT, commercial, and tourism hubs in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.

Railway officials said this route will boost southern India’s economy and improve regional cooperation.

Modi Calls It a “Festival of Development”

After flagging off the trains, PM Modi addressed a large rally in Varanasi. He praised the city and said, “I saw the magnificent Dev Deepawali being held here and today, I congratulate you all for this festival of development.”

He added, “The countries that have seen economic development, infrastructure has played a massive role there.”

PM Modi said the new trains show India’s progress. “The way India has today launched a campaign to make its resources superior for a developed India—these trains are going to become a milestone in that,” he said.

Linking Heritage with Progress

PM Modi highlighted that the Vande Bharat network connects India’s spiritual centers. He said, “Countless pilgrimage sites like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, Kurukshetra are the centers of our spiritual stream.”

PM Modi added that connecting these holy cities through Vande Bharat trains “serves to link India’s culture, faith, and development in a way.”

He said these routes will turn India’s heritage cities into symbols of national development.