PM Narendra Modi will flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains on November 8 during his visit to Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the Prime Minister’s Office confirmed. The Varanasi-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will be inaugurated in person from Varanasi Junction (Cantonment) at 7:30 pm, while the other 3 trains will be inaugurated virtually. These new semi-high-speed trains are expected to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and support tourism and economic growth across multiple states.
Routes and Connectivity
According to the official statement, the four new trains will operate on the following routes:
- Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express
- Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express
- Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express
- Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
Each route connects key cultural, commercial, and industrial regions, enhancing accessibility and economic integration between the northern and southern parts of India.
Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express
The Varanasi–Khajuraho route will connect two culturally rich states, Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, saving about 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing trains. The new train will directly link major spiritual and heritage destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, promoting religious and cultural tourism.
- Train No.: 26422/26421
- Stops: Vindhyachal, Prayagraj Chheoki, Chitrakut Dham, Banda, and Mahoba stations.
- Coaches: 8 Coaches; 2 types of seating arrangement: 7 air-conditioned chair cars and 1 executive air-conditioned chair car.
- Frequency: Six days a week except Thursdays.
This route will especially benefit pilgrims and travellers visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho, offering them a modern, comfortable, and fast journey.
Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express
The Lucknow–Saharanpur train will cover the journey in around 7 hours and 45 minutes, cutting down travel time by nearly one hour. The train will connect the Uttar Pradesh capital to the northwest part of the state, benefitting passengers from Sitapur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur.
- Train No.: 26503/26504
- Stops: Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Najibabad, and Roorkee.
- Coaches: 8 Coaches; 2 types of seating arrangement: 7 air-conditioned chair cars and 1 executive air-conditioned chair car.
- Frequency: Six days a week except Monday.
It will also improve access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee, giving devotees a faster travel option for religious visits.
Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express
The Firozpur–Delhi train will be the fastest on the route, completing the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. The service will strengthen connections between Punjab and the national capital, linking key cities such as Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala.
- Train No.: 26462/26461
- Stops: Bathinda, Patiala and other Punjab stations
- Coaches: 8 Coaches; 2 types of seating arrangement: 7 air-conditioned chair cars and 1 executive air-conditioned chair car.
- Frequency: Six days a week
This will boost trade, tourism, and employment opportunities, fostering growth in border regions and promoting stronger integration with the national economy.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru train will link Kerala’s Kochi with the Karnataka capital, completing the journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, saving over 2 hours.
According to a Railway Board notification, train number 26651 KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Junction Vande Bharat Express will leave Bengaluru at 5.10 am and reach Ernakulam at 1.50 pm. The return train, 26652 Ernakulam–Bengaluru, will depart at 2.20 pm and reach Bengaluru at 11 pm, PTI reported.
- Train No.: 26651 / 26652
- Stops: Krishnarajapuram, Jolarpettai, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur (stop pattern may vary).
- Coaches: 8 Coaches; 2 types of seating arrangement: 7 air-conditioned chair cars and 1 executive air-conditioned chair car.
- Frequency: Six days a week except Wednesdays.
This route will strengthen ties between major IT, commercial, and educational hubs, benefitting professionals, students, and tourists. It will also promote economic and tourism collaboration between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
