India’s semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express network just got bigger, adding four new routes that tighten connectivity between business hubs, pilgrimage
towns and cultural cities across the country. From cutting down long intercity journeys to improving access to major tourist destinations, these new additions further strengthen rail travel in Karnataka, Kerala, Uttar Pradesh, Punjab and Madhya Pradesh. Below is a look at what each new route offers and how travellers can plan smarter journeys.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
(Kerala – Tamil Nadu – Karnataka)The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will significantly reduce travel time between Kerala’s commercial capital and Bengaluru’s IT hub. Earlier, travellers spent around 11+ hours on traditional intercity trains. The new Vande Bharat now completes the 583 km distance in just 8 hours and 40 minutes.
Schedule
From Bengaluru: Departs 5:10 AM, Arrives Ernakulam 1:50 PM
From Ernakulam: Departs 2:20 PM, Arrives Bengaluru 11:00 PM
Runs: Six days a week (no service on Wednesdays)
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express
(Punjab – Haryana – Delhi NCR)This new high-speed service will now be the fastest route between Punjab and the capital. Covering the distance in 6 hours and 40 minutes, it improves movement for students, business travellers and families heading to Delhi. Key stops include Firozpur, Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantt, Kurukshetra, Panipat and Delhi.
Schedule
From Firozpur: 7:55 AM, Arrive In Delhi at 2:35 PM
From Delhi: 4:00 PM, Arrive In Firozpur at 10:35 PM
Runs six days a week.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express
(Across Uttar Pradesh)This new service improves travel across central and western Uttar Pradesh, covering 518 km in around 7 hours and 45 minutes, nearly an hour faster than earlier trains. Key stops include Lucknow, Bareilly, Shahjahanpur, Moradabad, Bijnor and Saharanpur.
The train has eight modern AC coaches, including an Executive Chair Car with reclining seats and upgraded interiors, perfect for frequent business or administrative travellers.
Runs: Six days a week (no Monday service).
Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express
(Uttar Pradesh – Madhya Pradesh)Travellers exploring spiritual and cultural heritage get a major upgrade with this route. The train connects Varanasi (Banaras), Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho, cutting the journey time by about 2 hours and 40 minutes, covering 443 km in less than 8 hours.
