From Varanasi to Bengaluru: PM Narendra Modi to flag off 4 new Vande Bharat Express trains today — see full route details

VARANASI: Varanasi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit his Parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, in Uttar Pradesh and flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains on November 8, the Prime Minister's office said in a statement.The new Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on the Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes. By reducing travel time between major destinations, these trains will enhance regional mobility, promote tourism, and support economic activity across the country. Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat will establish direct connectivity on this route and save about 2 hours 40 minutes.The new Vande Bharat Express trains on Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes, to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Banaras railway station on Saturday morning, will significantly reduce travel time between major destinations, enhance regional mobility, promote tourism and support economic activity across the country.Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat will establish direct connectivity on this route and save about 2 hours 40 minutes compared to special trains currently in operation. It will connect some of India's most revered religious and cultural destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho. The link will not only strengthen religious and cultural tourism but also provide pilgrims and travellers with a fast, modern, and comfortable journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho. Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will cover the journey in approximately 7 hours 45 minutes, saving nearly 1 hour travel time. It will benefit passengers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor and Saharanpur, while also improving access holy city Haridwar via Roorkee, ensuring smoother and faster intercity travel across central and western UP.Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in just 6 hours 40 minutes and will strengthen connectivity between the national capital and key cities in Punjab, including Firozpur, Bathinda and Patiala. The train is expected to boost trade, tourism and employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic development of border regions and fostering greater integration with national markets. In Southern India, Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by over 2 hours, completing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes. The train will connect major IT and commercial hubs, providing professionals, students and tourists with a faster and more comfortable travel option. The route will promote greater economic activity and tourism between Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, supporting regional growth and collaboration.