Four new Vande Bharat trains flagged off by PM Modi from Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, which will run on the Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes. 

#WATCH | Varanasi, UP | PM Narendra Modi flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Banaras Railway Station

The new Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes

(Source: DD) pic.twitter.com/2GfI45aVGt

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After flagging off the trains, PM Modi addressed the gathering, saying, "Infrastructure has played an important role in the development of most nations...The development of a city begins on its own as soon as it gets better connectivity...Infrastructure is not limited to huge bridges and highways." 

He highlighted how pilgrimage is a means to "awaken the country's conscience." 

Further saying, "Vande Bharat is a train made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians - one that fills every Indian with pride." 

Adding, "These trains not only connect heritage cities, but also accelerate development. In the last 11 years, the developmental works in Uttar Pradesh have strengthened the economy. Last year, 11 crore devotees visited Baba Vishwanath, and over 6 crore devotees had darshan of Ram Lalla - their visits have contributed thousands of crores to the state's economy." 

160+ Vande Bharat trains are operating in India at present. Here is a little detail about the four Vande Bharat trains: 

Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat 

The new Vande Bharat train will offer direct connectivity between the two cultural centres: Banaras and Khajuraho, cutting travel time to only 2 hours 40 minutes in comparison to the existing special trains. It will link key religious and cultural hubs, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, which will not only ensure efficient access to the UNESCO World Heritage Site but also boost pilgrimage and cultural tourism. 

Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat 

Reducing travel time by an hour, the Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat will finish the journey in only 7 hours and 45 minutes. Passengers travelling from Lucknow, Bareilly, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur are expected to benefit from it, with better access to Haridwar via Rourkee. With the new service, intercity travel in Central and Western Uttar Pradesh will be smooth and fast. 

Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat

Vande Bharat will be the fastest train on the Delhi-Firozpur route with a travel time of 6 hours 40 minutes. It will enhance connectivity between Delhi, some major cities of Punjab, including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala, strengthening trade, tourism, and employment as it will integrate the border cities to markets.

Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat 

With the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat, the distance will be covered in 8 hours and 40 minutes, reducing travel time by more than two hours. As major IT and commercial hubs will be linked now, working professionals, students, and tourists will have a more speedy and comfortable option. It will also encourage strong economic and tourism ties between neighboring states, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.