Prime Minister Modi Launches Four New Vande Bharat Trains — Makes Travel from Varanasi to Khajuraho Easier Amid Chants of "Har Har Mahadev"

 

Uttar Pradesh/Varanasi (M Bharat 24 News Live): Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, giving another major boost to India’s modern rail connectivity. These new trains will reduce travel time, enhance regional mobility, and promote tourism and trade across several states. As the Prime Minister arrived at the Varanasi railway station, the entire premises reverberated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev.”

At around 8:48 AM, Prime Minister Modi flagged off the new routes — Varanasi–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru.

🚄 Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express

This train will save nearly 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing special trains. It will connect India’s prominent spiritual and cultural destinations — Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho. Khajuraho, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, will now become more accessible for pilgrims and tourists.

🚄 Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express

The train will complete its journey in about 7 hours and 45 minutes, saving nearly an hour of travel time. It will benefit passengers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, while also improving access to Haridwar via Roorkee. This service will strengthen connectivity and spur regional development across central and western Uttar Pradesh.

🚄 Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express

This will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. It will enhance connectivity between the national capital and major cities in Punjab, including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala, boosting trade, tourism, and employment opportunities.

🚄 Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express

In southern India, this train will cut travel time by over two hours, completing the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes. The route connects major IT and commercial hubs across Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, further promoting economic activities and tourism in the region.

🕉️ A Spiritual Connection

The new Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express also carries deep spiritual significance. PM Modi inaugurated it during the sacred month of Shivayog, symbolically connecting Lord Shiva’s city — Kashi (Varanasi) — with another holy Shiva shrine — Matangeshwar Mahadev Temple in Khajuraho. Interestingly, the train’s serial number is associated with the auspicious number eight, considered sacred in Indian spirituality.

Speaking at the event, Dilip Kumar, Executive Director (Information and Publicity) of the Indian Railway Board, said:

“We already operate 156 Vande Bharat Express services across India. With these eight new additions, the total will now reach 164. Today, the Prime Minister flagged off the Varanasi–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Coimbatore–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express trains.”

The launch of these four new high-speed trains marks another milestone in India’s journey toward faster, safer, and more modern rail travel, reflecting Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “New India powered by world-class railway connectivity with a touch of spirituality.”