PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains from Varanasi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, marking another milestone in India’s journey toward modern and high-speed rail connectivity. The new trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways, symbolizing the vision of a developed India through world-class infrastructure. “These trains are made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians—filling every citizen with pride,” he remarked.

With the launch of these four trains, the total number of operational Vande Bharat trains in the country has crossed 160. The Prime Minister emphasized that such projects are not merely transport upgrades but key milestones in India’s economic and cultural development.

Highlighting the cultural importance of the new routes, Shri Modi said that several holy pilgrimage sites—including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, and Chitrakoot—are now being connected through the Vande Bharat network. “This marks a convergence of India’s culture, faith, and development journey,” he noted, adding that the initiative will help transform heritage cities into symbols of national progress.

The Prime Minister also underlined the economic impact of pilgrimage in Uttar Pradesh, noting that the influx of devotees to Varanasi and Ayodhya has generated thousands of crores of rupees in the local economy, benefiting hotels, artisans, and small traders.

He further highlighted the rapid transformation of Varanasi’s infrastructure, mentioning the development of hospitals, roads, gas networks, internet facilities, and sports complexes. Shri Modi said that the government’s aim is to make visiting and living in Varanasi a special and enriching experience.

Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, and other dignitaries attended the event, while several Union Ministers, including Suresh Gopi and George Kurian, joined via video conferencing.

The four new Vande Bharat routes are expected to enhance regional connectivity, promote tourism, and boost economic activity. Each train offers faster travel times and improved comfort, aligning with the government’s mission to provide citizens with modern, efficient, and world-class railway services.