Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, calling the initiative a major step towards modernising India’s railway network and strengthening connectivity across the country.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are “laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways.” He described the launch as part of India’s broader mission to build robust infrastructure that will serve as a key driver of economic growth.
The four new routes include Banaras–Khajuraho, Firozpur–Delhi, Lucknow–Saharanpur, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru. With their addition, the total number of operational Vande Bharat Express trains in India has now crossed 160.
PM Modi said the Vande Bharat network is not just improving travel but also connecting India’s spiritual and cultural heritage. “Holy pilgrimage sites are now being linked through Vande Bharat, marking a convergence of our culture, faith, and development journey,” he remarked, adding that such connectivity is transforming heritage cities into symbols of progress.
Highlighting the growing economic impact of pilgrimage tourism, the Prime Minister noted that 11 crore devotees visited Varanasi last year, while over 6 crore pilgrims have visited the Ram Temple in Ayodhya since its opening. He said this has generated thousands of crores of rupees for the local economy and created new opportunities for youth and small businesses in Uttar Pradesh.
PM Modi also spoke about the rapid pace of development in Varanasi, including infrastructure upgrades such as new hospitals, roads, gas pipeline networks, internet connectivity, and ongoing projects like the city’s ropeway system and sports facilities. “Our aim is to make visiting, living in, and experiencing Banaras a truly special experience,” he said.
Emphasising improvements in healthcare, the Prime Minister recalled the limited medical facilities available a decade ago and said his government has transformed the landscape through new hospitals such as Mahamana Cancer Hospital, Shankar Netralaya, and trauma and advanced care centers. He said initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras have helped poor patients save crores in medical expenses.
The Prime Minister also interacted with students present at the event, praising their creativity in art and poetry competitions organised during the Vande Bharat launch. He proposed the idea of a children’s literary meet and lauded the young participants for their talent and enthusiasm.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present at the ceremony, while dignitaries including Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar and several Union Ministers joined via video conference.
The newly flagged-off Vande Bharat Express trains will enhance intercity connectivity, reduce travel time, and promote tourism and trade across multiple regions of the country.