Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains on November 8 during his visit to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The new semi-high-speed trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes, as announced by the Prime Minister’s Office.
The initiative aims to further the government’s mission of modernising Indian Railways, enhancing regional connectivity, and providing passengers with faster, safer, and more comfortable travel options. These additions take the total count of Vande Bharat trains in service across India to over 70.
The new services are expected to improve travel convenience for both daily commuters and long-distance travellers, reduce congestion on existing routes, and promote tourism and trade across multiple states.
Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express
This route will directly connect two culturally and spiritually significant states — Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh — reducing travel time by approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to the current special trains.
The train will link major tourist and pilgrimage destinations such as Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is expected to significantly boost religious tourism, cultural exchanges, and local economies along the route.
The service will also benefit small towns and districts situated along the corridor by improving connectivity and reducing dependency on slower express trains.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express
Covering the journey in about 7 hours and 45 minutes, this new train will connect Lucknow to northwestern Uttar Pradesh, cutting travel time by nearly an hour.
It will serve passengers from Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, providing improved access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee.
Designed with upgraded interiors, wider windows, and better seating comfort, this Vande Bharat will enhance the overall passenger experience. It also supports the government’s push to expand semi-high-speed connectivity to Tier-2 cities.
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express
Expected to be the fastest train on this route, the Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express will complete the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. The new service will strengthen connectivity between the national capital and key cities in Punjab such as Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala.
The train is likely to play a crucial role in improving trade links and employment opportunities, especially in border districts of Punjab. It will also facilitate better passenger movement between Delhi and the agrarian and industrial regions of the state.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
Connecting Kerala’s commercial capital, Ernakulam (Kochi), to Karnataka’s tech hub, Bengaluru, this train will complete the 575-km journey in just 8 hours and 40 minutes, reducing travel time by more than 2 hours.
According to the Railway Board, Train No. 26651 KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Junction Vande Bharat Express will depart Bengaluru at 5:10 am and arrive in Ernakulam at 1:50 pm. The return service, Train No. 26652, will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 pm and reach Bengaluru at 11 pm.
This route is expected to benefit IT professionals, students, business travellers, and tourists alike. It will also enhance inter-state connectivity across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, boosting regional economic growth and cultural exchange.
The launch of these four routes marks another milestone in India’s journey towards building a modern, efficient, and passenger-friendly railway system under the Digital and Developed India vision.
