PM Modi Receives Grand Welcome In Varanasi Ahead Of Flagging Off Four New Vande Bharat Trains

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, on Friday to a rousing reception from enthusiastic crowds ahead of his scheduled inauguration of four new Vande Bharat Express trains on Saturday morning.

Taking to social media after the visit, the Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the warm welcome. “After attending the programs in Bihar today, I had the opportunity to visit Kashi, where the grand welcome by my family members left me overwhelmed,” he posted on X.

PM Modi announced that he will flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains, including the Banaras–Khajuraho route, from the city of Baba Vishwanath on Saturday morning at around 8:15 AM. “These trains will make travel more convenient and secure for people in many parts of the country, while also boosting tourism and trade,” he said.

According to officials, the Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will establish direct connectivity between major religious and cultural centres, Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, saving around two hours and forty minutes compared to the current services.

Enhanced Travel and Tourism Prospects

Officials highlighted that the new connection will promote religious and cultural tourism, offering a fast, comfortable, and modern journey to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s broader vision of transforming Indian railways into a world-class, high-speed network that supports regional mobility and economic growth.

In addition to the Banaras–Khajuraho service, three other Vande Bharat trains will be launched on the Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes. The Lucknow–Saharanpur train will complete its journey in approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, saving nearly an hour of travel time, benefiting passengers across Uttar Pradesh.

Meanwhile, the Firozpur–Delhi service will become the fastest on its route, covering the distance in just 6 hours and 40 minutes, thereby strengthening connectivity between Delhi and major cities of Punjab.

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