Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Varanasi on November 8 to flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains, marking another major step in India’s ongoing railway modernization drive. The event, scheduled for 8:15 AM, will see the launch of new services connecting key cultural, economic, and commercial centers across the country.
The new semi-high-speed trains will operate on the Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes, further strengthening regional connectivity and enhancing passenger convenience through faster, cleaner, and more comfortable travel.
The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of providing world-class railway services that boost economic activity, promote tourism, and facilitate seamless intercity mobility.
The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will offer direct connectivity between the two destinations, cutting travel time by nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing services. The route links several prominent religious and cultural centers, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, and is expected to give a major boost to pilgrimage tourism and travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.
The Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will complete its journey in approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, saving around one hour. It will serve major towns such as Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, while improving access to Haridwar via Roorkee. The new service is set to enhance connectivity across central and western Uttar Pradesh and support regional growth.
The Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express will become the fastest train on its route, covering the distance in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. Strengthening links between the national capital and important Punjab cities such as Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala, the train is expected to boost trade, tourism, and employment opportunities while improving integration with national markets.
In southern India, the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time by over 2 hours, completing the trip in 8 hours and 40 minutes. The route connects key IT and commercial hubs across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, offering a faster and more comfortable option for professionals, students, and tourists alike.