PM Modi Flags Off Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains from Varanasi

Varanasi, November 8, 2025:In a major boost to India’s modern railway network, Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. The new routes—Banaras–Khajuraho, Firozpur–Delhi, Lucknow–Saharanpur, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru—mark a significant expansion of the semi-high-speed train network, taking the total number of operational Vande Bharat trains in the country to over 160.

Addressing a large gathering in his parliamentary constituency, the Prime Minister said that trains such as Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are “laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways.” He described the Vande Bharat as “a train made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians”, noting that it has become a source of national pride and admiration even among international visitors.

PM at the flagging off ceremony of Vande Bharat Express trains at Banaras Railway Station, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on November 08, 2025.

Modi emphasized that robust infrastructure is the backbone of every developed nation, and India’s accelerating investment in rail connectivity reflects its mission to become a ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India). He highlighted that the new trains are not only improving passenger convenience but also contributing to economic growth, tourism, and regional integration.

PM at the flagging off ceremony of Vande Bharat Express trains at Banaras Railway Station, in Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh on November 08, 2025.

Connecting holy pilgrimage sites like Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Khajuraho, and Haridwar through the Vande Bharat network, the Prime Minister said this initiative represents “a convergence of India’s culture, faith, and development journey.” He called the move a significant step toward transforming heritage cities into centers of national progress.

Citing the economic potential of spiritual tourism, Shri Modi noted that in the last 11 years, religious destinations in Uttar Pradesh have seen record footfalls—11 crore devotees visited Varanasi and over 6 crore visited Ayodhya’s Ram Temple last year alone. This surge, he said, has infused thousands of crores of rupees into the state’s economy, creating sustainable livelihoods in sectors like hospitality, transport, handicrafts, and local trade.

PM interacting with students on board Vande Bharat Express train at Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh on November 08, 2025.

Reflecting on the transformation of Varanasi, the Prime Minister said the city is witnessing rapid progress in healthcare, infrastructure, and urban amenities. He cited projects like the Mahamana Cancer Hospital, Shankar Netralaya, and the Advanced Trauma Center at BHU, noting that initiatives like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras have made healthcare more affordable for the poor.

PM interacting with students on board Vande Bharat Express train at Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh on November 08, 2025.

He also mentioned ongoing projects, including the Varanasi ropeway, stadium development, gas pipeline network, and internet expansion, aimed at making Varanasi a model of modern, inclusive urban development.

During the ceremony, Modi interacted with students who participated in a creative competition themed on Viksit Bharat and Viksit Kashi. He praised their talent and proposed a Children’s Literary Meet to encourage young minds across India.

PM interacting with students on board Vande Bharat Express train at Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh on November 08, 2025.

The event was attended by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and other dignitaries. Several Union Ministers, including Suresh Gopi, George Kurian, and Ravneet Singh Bittu, joined the event via video conference.

The new Vande Bharat trains are expected to significantly reduce travel time—Banaras–Khajuraho by 2 hours 40 minutes, Lucknow–Saharanpur by 1 hour, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru by over 2 hours—enhancing passenger comfort and connectivity across India’s key cultural and economic regions.