Modi Unveils Four New Vande Bharat Express Routes

Post by : Mina Rahman

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled four new Vande Bharat Express trains, bolstering India's state-of-the-art railway system and improving connectivity across vital cultural, economic, and pilgrimage routes. The newly inaugurated trains are set to operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.

During a public event following the launch, Modi highlighted the significance of infrastructure in nation-building, asserting that effective transport networks can dictate the pace of city development. He noted that infrastructure extends beyond monumental projects to include transport systems that facilitate regional advancement.

The Prime Minister remarked that these trains embody progress rather than serving as mere transportation options. He further touched on the spiritual dimension of connectivity, marking pilgrimage travel as essential for rekindling national consciousness. The new trains not only link heritage sites but also catalyze development, drawing from the example of over 11 crore devotees visiting Baba Vishwanath and 6 crore seeking darshan of Ram Lalla, which greatly enriched the state’s economy.

The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express promises direct high-speed travel between two celebrated heritage sites, reducing transit time to roughly 2 hours and 40 minutes and enhancing access to several important religious and cultural locations, including Varanasi and Khajuraho. This service is expected to amplify cultural tourism and elevate the northern Indian pilgrimage circuit.

The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will offer an efficient journey time of about 7 hours and 45 minutes, trimming down travel by nearly an hour. It will cater to passengers from various districts, allowing improved access to Haridwar. This upgraded route is poised to facilitate better intercity travel across central and western Uttar Pradesh, benefiting commuters, students, and professionals.

On the Firozpur–Delhi corridor, passengers will experience the fastest Vande Bharat express yet, completing the journey in a mere 6 hours and 40 minutes. This train will strengthen connections between Delhi and key Punjab cities such as Firozpur and Bathinda, enhancing economic interactions and cultural ties between these regions while bolstering trade and tourism.

In the southern part of the country, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will offer a journey of 8 hours and 40 minutes, cutting travel time by over two hours. This route links essential IT and educational centers, promising faster trips for professionals and tourists alike. By connecting Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, this train is anticipated to spur local economic growth and enhance inter-state partnerships.

With the introduction of these four trains, India reaffirms its commitment to developing a modern, efficient rail system that prioritizes passenger needs. The Vande Bharat Express series symbolizes the government's vision for a self-reliant, world-class rail infrastructure that fuses speed, safety, and comfort. As India reinforces its high-speed rail ambitions, these new routes are set to foster national mobility, promote tourism, and contribute to regional economic advancement, embodying the government’s pledge to build a robust and connected modern Bharat.