PM Modi flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains: Check new routes, travel time, key features, and more

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains, further expanding India’s high-speed rail network. The new routes include Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow Junction–Saharanpur, Firozpur Cantt–Delhi, and Bengaluru–Ernakulam, connecting key cities across North and South India.

The new trains will significantly reduce travel time between major destinations, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable journey. These additions are expected to boost regional mobility, tourism, and trade, supporting economic growth and improving access to cultural and commercial centres.

Banaras–Khajuraho: A Link Between Heritage and Spirituality

The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will create direct connectivity between two of India’s most iconic cultural and religious destinations, Varanasi and Khajuraho. This route will also pass through Prayagraj and Chitrakoot, making it an ideal option for pilgrims and tourists.

The train will save nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing services, allowing travellers a faster and smoother journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.

Lucknow–Saharanpur: Connecting the Heart of Uttar Pradesh

The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will cover the journey in about 7 hours and 45 minutes, reducing travel time by nearly an hour. It will benefit passengers from Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, and also provide better access to Haridwar via Roorkee.

This route will strengthen connectivity across central and western Uttar Pradesh, encouraging regional development and smoother intercity travel.

Firozpur–Delhi: A Boost for Punjab’s Economy

The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. It will connect the national capital with key cities in Punjab like Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala.

This high-speed service is expected to enhance trade and employment opportunities, boost tourism, and contribute to the socio-economic growth of border areas, bringing Punjab closer to national markets.

Bengaluru–Ernakulam: Strengthening South India’s Growth Corridor

In southern India, the Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express will complete the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, cutting travel time by over 2 hours. The route connects major IT, educational, and commercial hubs, providing a faster and more comfortable travel option for professionals, students, and tourists.

This new service will promote economic collaboration and tourism between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, strengthening inter-state ties and improving regional mobility.

Inputs from agencies