PM Modi to Inaugurate Four New Vande Bharat Express Trains: Enhancing Connectivity Across India

PM Modi is scheduled to visit Varanasi today.

Varanasi (UP):

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a comprehensive inspection at the railway station on Thursday to evaluate preparations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency, during which the Prime Minister will launch four new Vande Bharat Express trains.

The visit commences on Friday, with PM Modi set to inaugurate Vande Bharat trains serving the Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes.

According to an official statement, the Chief Minister received comprehensive briefings from senior railway and district officials concerning beautification initiatives, security measures, passenger amenities, and event venue arrangements.

He instructed officials to ensure the Prime Minister's visit proceeds without disruption, emphasizing the need for well-coordinated planning and meticulous execution.

Adityanath stressed the importance of maintaining cleanliness, efficient traffic management, and stringent security throughout the station premises, as noted in the official statement.

A Press Information Bureau statement highlighted that the newly inaugurated trains will substantially reduce journey times between major destinations, enhance regional mobility, boost tourism, and support nationwide economic activities.

The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat service will establish direct connectivity on this route, saving approximately two hours and 40 minutes compared to currently operating special trains.

According to the PIB statement, this train will connect "some of India's most revered religious and cultural destinations," including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho.

"This connection will not only strengthen religious and cultural tourism but also provide pilgrims and travelers with a fast, modern, and comfortable journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho," the statement indicated.

The Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat will complete the journey in approximately seven hours and 45 minutes, reducing travel time by nearly one hour. It will also improve access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee.

The statement further noted that the Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest service on this route, completing the journey in just six hours and 40 minutes. It will enhance connectivity between the national capital and key cities in Punjab, contributing to border region development and fostering greater integration with national markets.

"In Southern India, the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by over two hours, completing the journey in eight hours and 40 minutes," the statement added, noting that it will connect major IT and commercial hubs, providing professionals, students, and tourists with a faster and more comfortable travel option.

Earlier in the day, the Chief Minister offered prayers at prominent temples in Varanasi and received blessings from spiritual leaders.

He performed rituals at the Baba Kal Bhairav temple and sought blessings from the deity, who is revered as the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi.

According to the statement, Adityanath performed the 'Shodashopachar' ritual at the Kashi Vishwanath temple, praying for the happiness, prosperity, and welfare of the people.

The temple premises resonated with chants of 'Har Har Mahadev' during the ceremony.

He also visited the Satua Baba Ashram at Manikarnika Ghat, where he offered prayers at the Shiva temple and met with Santosh Das Maharaj, the disciple of Satua Baba.