Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to launch four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi on November 8th. These additions to India’s semi-high-speed rail network are anticipated to significantly decrease travel durations, improve connections between different regions, boost the tourism sector, and drive economic progress.
The four newly operational routes for the Vande Bharat trains are Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru.
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat service will provide a vital direct link between these two significant cities. Journey times will be cut by an impressive 2 hours and 40 minutes, making travel more convenient for tourists and pilgrims heading to key sites like Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and the globally recognized Khajuraho temples.
The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will enhance regional connectivity within Uttar Pradesh. The trip duration will be approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, a saving of about an hour. This service is set to benefit commuters across several cities including Sitapur, Bareilly, Moradabad, and Bijnor, and also improve access to Haridwar, supporting regional economic integration.
On the Firozpur–Delhi route, the new Vande Bharat will set a new speed record, completing the journey in a swift 6 hours and 40 minutes. This faster link will bolster connectivity between Delhi and key cities in Punjab such as Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala, aiming to stimulate trade and tourism in the region.
Southern India benefits from the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, which will cut travel time by over 2 hours, now taking just 8 hours and 40 minutes. This route connects major economic and technological centers, making travel more efficient for business professionals, students, and tourists, and promoting economic activity and tourism across Kerala and Karnataka.