Four new Vande Bharat Express trains launched
PM Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh. The trains will operate on these routes: Banaras–Khajuraho (Uttar Pradesh to Madhya Pradesh), Lucknow–Saharanpur (Uttar Pradesh), Firozpur–Delhi (Punjab to Delhi) and Ernakulam–Bengaluru (Kerala–Karnataka).
According to railway officials, the addition of these routes raises the total Vande Bharat services to 164 across India.
Prime Minister @narendramodi flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi
🔸Trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways
🔸India has embarked on a mission to enhance its resources… pic.twitter.com/PVKP98IEF5
— PIB India (@PIB_India) November 8, 2025
Travel-time reduction and route details
The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat will cut travel time by about 2 hours 40 minutes compared to earlier special trains. The route links important cultural and religious destinations such as Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and the UNESCO site of Khajuraho.
On the Lucknow–Saharanpur corridor, the journey will be completed in approximately 7 hours 45 minutes, thus saving nearly one hour and improving connectivity across central and western Uttar Pradesh.
The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will cover the distance in just 6 hours 40 minutes, making it the fastest train on that route and bolstering access between Punjab cities and the national capital.
Finally, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru train will travel in about 8 hours 40 minutes, reducing journey time by over two hours and strengthening ties between major IT and commercial hubs in Kerala and Karnataka.
Also Read : 20-Coach Vande Bharat Express Trains: Full List, Routes
Strategic significance and impact
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and senior officials were present at the launch. Prime Minister Modi highlighted that infrastructure such as modern trains is key to regional development, accelerated mobility and enhanced tourism.
These new services are expected to promote economic activity, particularly in areas with religious, cultural and IT significance. For example, the Banaras–Khajuraho route is aligned with Uttar Pradesh’s push for religious tourism.
Moreover, faster travel times will benefit professionals, students and tourists alike on the Ernakulam–Bengaluru corridor, while improved connectivity on the Firozpur–Delhi and Lucknow–Saharanpur routes will support mobility in northern India.
What to expect ahead
With the train launches complete, attention now shifts to operations and passenger experience. Key considerations include:
- Ensuring punctuality and maintaining high service standards on all new routes.
- Passenger uptake and load factors especially during initial months.
- Supporting infrastructure upgrades at intermediate stations and along routes to match the speed and comfort of these trains.
The railways have indicated that plans are underway to further expand the Vande Bharat network, reinforcing India’s push for faster, modern rail travel.