News Brief
Four New Vande Bharat Trains To Be Flagged Off By PM Modi On 8 November; Routes Include Banaras–Khajuraho And Ernakulam–Bengaluru
Vande Bharat Express
In a significant step towards expanding India’s modern rail infrastructure, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi will visit Varanasi and flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains on 8 November at around 8.15 am, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement on Thursday (6 November).
The new trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.
The initiative aims to improve regional connectivity, reduce travel time, and support economic and tourism activity across different parts of the country.
Banaras–Khajuraho: Linking Spiritual and Cultural India
The new Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat will establish direct connectivity between two of India’s most iconic heritage circuits, saving nearly 2 hours 40 minutes over existing services.
The route will connect Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, giving pilgrims and tourists a faster, more comfortable link to the UNESCO World Heritage temples of Khajuraho.
Lucknow–Saharanpur: Faster Access to the Heart of Uttar Pradesh
Covering the distance in just 7 hours 45 minutes, the Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will save close to an hour of travel time.
Firozpur–Delhi: Punjab’s Fastest Link to the National Capital
On the Northern corridor, the Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest train on the route, completing the journey in 6 hours 40 minutes.
It will enhance trade and tourism between Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala, bringing Punjab’s border regions closer to national markets and opening up new employment opportunities.
Ernakulam–Bengaluru: Southern Growth Corridor
In Southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by over 2 hours, completing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes.
The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will connect major IT and commercial hubs, providing professionals, students, and tourists with a faster and more comfortable travel option.
The route will promote greater economic activity and tourism between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, supporting regional growth and collaboration.
