Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi on November 8th. This expansion of India’s semi-high-speed rail network aims to significantly reduce travel times, foster better regional connectivity, stimulate tourism, and invigorate economic activity across the country.
The new Vande Bharat services will connect key destinations on the following routes: Banaras to Khajuraho, Lucknow to Saharanpur, Firozpur to Delhi, and Ernakulam to Bengaluru.
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat is poised to revolutionize travel between these historically rich cities. It will offer a direct link, slashing journey times by approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to current special trains. This route is vital for boosting pilgrimage and tourism, as it connects Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho, making it easier for travelers to access significant cultural and religious landmarks.
In Uttar Pradesh, the Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will enhance regional connectivity. The journey is expected to take around 7 hours and 45 minutes, a saving of about an hour. This service will greatly benefit commuters from cities like Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, and Bijnor, and also improve access to Haridwar via Roorkee, promoting intercity travel and regional development.
For the Punjab–Delhi corridor, the Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat promises to be the fastest train, completing the distance in a mere 6 hours and 40 minutes. This new link will strengthen ties between the national capital and important Punjabi cities such as Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala, likely leading to increased trade, tourism, and job creation.
Connecting the South, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will dramatically cut travel time by over 2 hours, completing its route in 8 hours and 40 minutes. This service links major IT and commercial hubs, facilitating travel for professionals, students, and tourists, thereby fostering economic growth and tourism throughout Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
