
PM Modi will launch four new Vande Bharat Express trains on November 8 from Varanasi. [Photo: X/Anand Maini]
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.
According to the official statement, the four new trains will operate on the following routes:
Each route connects key cultural, commercial, and industrial regions, enhancing accessibility and economic integration between the northern and southern parts of India.
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.
This route will especially benefit pilgrims and travellers visiting the UNESCO World Heritage site of Khajuraho, offering them a modern, comfortable, and fast journey.
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.
It will also improve access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee, giving devotees a faster travel option for religious visits.
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.
This will boost trade, tourism, and employment opportunities, fostering growth in border regions and promoting stronger integration with the national economy.
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.
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.