PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains from Banaras: Check Routes

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four Vande Bharat trains on Saturday, November 8 from Banaras Railway Station. The new Vande Bharat trains will operate on the Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur,

Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes.Prime Minister Modi interacted with children onboard the New Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express. "Apart from Kashi-Khajurahoi Vande Bharat, Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat, Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat have also been flagged off today. Now, more than 160 new Vande Bharat trains are operational in India," PM Modi said.

"Pilgrim places are being connected via Vande Bharat network... This is a step towards making the heritage cities of India a symbol of the nation's progress," PM Modi said. "There is also an economic side to these yatras... Last year, 11 crore devotees came to Kashi. After the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, more than 6 crore devotees visited Ayodhya... UP's economy has benefitted because of this..." he added. The semi-high-speed trains will significantly reduce travel time between major stations, enhance regional mobility, promote tourism and support economic activity across the country, according to an official statement.

4 New Vande Bharat Trains Flagged Off: Check Routes

Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Train: The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat train will establish direct connectivity on this route and save about two hours and 40 minutes compared to the special trains currently in operation. This will connect India's "most revered religious and cultural destinations", including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho.Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat Train: The Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat will cover the journey in approximately seven hours and 45 minutes, saving nearly one hour of travel time. It will also improve access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee.Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat Train: The Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in just six hours and 40 minutes. It will strengthen connectivity between the national capital and key cities in Punjab, contributing to the development of border regions and fostering greater integration with national markets.Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Train: The Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by over two hours, completing the journey in eight hours and 40 minutes. The train's inauguration is aimed at connecting major IT and commercial hubs, providing professionals, students, and tourists with a faster and more comfortable travel option.