Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi on Friday, just before the launch of four new Vande Bharat Express trains. He was welcomed by his family and friends, a moment the PM captured on X (formerly Twitter).
In a quick post, Modi said he had just finished programmes in Bihar and then visited Kashi, where the warm welcome left him “overwhelmed.” He added that he would flag off the new trains the next day, at about 8.15 am from the city of Baba Vishwanath.
The launch marks a big step for India’s rail network. The new Vande Bharat services will cut travel time, provide safer rides, and boost tourism and trade across the country.
Banaras‑Khajuraho
The first train will run from Varanasi to the UNESCO‑listed Khajuraho. It will shave almost three hours off the journey, cutting 2 hours 40 minutes from the current special train schedule. The route links major pilgrimage and cultural sites such as Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho, offering pilgrims a fast, modern ride to the heritage site.
Lucknow‑Saharanpur
The Lucknow‑Saharanpur service will cover the distance in about 7 hours 45 minutes, saving almost an hour. It benefits passengers in Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor and Saharanpur, and improves access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee.
Firozpur‑Delhi
The Firozpur‑Delhi Vande Bharat will be the quickest on the route, completing the trip in just 6 hours 40 minutes. It strengthens links between the national capital and key Punjabi cities like Firozpur, Bathinda and Patiala.
Ernakulam‑Bengaluru
The new train will run from Ernakulam in Kerala to Bengaluru in Karnataka, speeding up travel between southern India’s major hubs.
These launches further Narendra Modi’s vision of world‑class railway services that make travel easier, faster and more comfortable for every Indian. They also aim to boost regional connectivity, support local economies and put India on the map as a modern, high‑speed travel destination.
Source: ianslive
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