PM Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from the Banaras Railway Station in Varanasi on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The new semi-high-speed trains aim to enhance connectivity and reduce travel time across several key regional routes. The newly launched train services will operate on the Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes.
During the launch, PM Modi highlighted that the Vande Bharat Express continues to play a vital role in modernizing India’s railway network. He emphasized that these trains are not only improving passenger comfort but are also accelerating economic activity by strengthening intercity travel, tourism, and trade links. According to him, the expansion of Vande Bharat routes supports the government’s vision of creating a fast, efficient, and world-class transportation network across India.
The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express is expected to significantly benefit tourists visiting important heritage and pilgrimage destinations in Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. Similarly, the Lucknow-Saharanpur route will make travel easier for daily commuters and business travelers across the state. The Firozpur-Delhi train enhances connectivity in northern India, while the Ernakulam-Bengaluru service strengthens a key transport link in the southern region.
Railway authorities have stated that the new trains feature modern facilities such as comfortable seating, improved suspension systems, GPS-based information displays, automatic doors, and better cleanliness and safety tools. These improvements are designed to offer a smoother and faster travel experience compared to traditional trains.
The launch marks yet another step in India’s rapid progress in developing high-speed rail travel. With the addition of these four services, the Vande Bharat network continues to expand steadily across the country, providing passengers with more efficient and time-saving travel options
