Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Uttar Pradesh’s Varanasi district and officially launch four new Vande Bharat Express trains on November 8.
It is another major step in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision to provide citizens with easier, faster and more comfortable rail travel through world-class services, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement on Thursday.
In a statement, the PMO said: “By significantly reducing journey times between major destinations, these trains are expected to enhance regional mobility, boost tourism and boost national economic activity.
New Vande Bharat Railway Routes
The new Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on Varanasi-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Sarai Rohilla, Firozpur-Delhi and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes.
Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat: The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will create a direct service on this route, saving around two hours and 40 minutes compared to the special services currently running. It will connect some of India’s most revered religious and cultural destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj and Chitrakoot, the PMO said.
Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat: The Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat completes the journey in around seven hours and 45 minutes, saving nearly one hour of travel time. The express service will greatly benefit passengers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor and Saharanpur while improving access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee, the PMO noted.
Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat: Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest service on this route and will complete the entire journey in just six hours and 40 minutes. The express train will strengthen connectivity between the capital and key cities in Punjab, including Bathinda and Patiala, the PMO said. This train is also expected to boost trade, tourism and employment opportunities, contribute to the socio-economic development of border regions and promote greater integration with national markets.
Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat: The Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce the travel time by more than two hours and complete the route in eight hours and 40 minutes. According to the PMO, it will connect major IT and business hubs and offer professionals, students and tourists a faster and more convenient travel option. The line will also promote greater economic activity and tourism between Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, thereby promoting regional growth and cooperation, he added.
