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New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Varanasi on November 8 and flag off four new Vande Bharat Express trains in an important step towards expanding the country’s modern rail infrastructure, an official said on Thursday.
The flag off is another milestone towards realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of providing citizens with easier, faster and more comfortable travel through world-class railway services, the official said in a statement.
The new Vande Bharat Express trains will run on Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur, Ferozepur-Delhi and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes.
By significantly reducing travel time between major destinations, these trains will enhance regional mobility, boost tourism and support economic activity across the country, the statement said.
Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat will establish direct connectivity on this route and will save about 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to the special trains currently running.
Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will connect some of the most iconic religious and cultural destinations of India including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot and Khajuraho.
This link will not only strengthen religious and cultural tourism but will also provide fast, modern and comfortable travel to pilgrims and travelers to Khajuraho, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat journey will cover the journey in approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes, saving approximately 1 hour in travel time. This will benefit commuters from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor and Saharanpur, and will also improve access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee.
The official statement said that by ensuring smooth and fast intercity travel in Central and Western Uttar Pradesh, the service will play an important role in enhancing connectivity and regional development.
Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest train on this route, which will complete the journey in just 6 hours 40 minutes. Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express will strengthen connectivity between the national capital and major cities of Punjab including Firozpur, Bathinda and Patiala.
It said the train is expected to boost trade, tourism and employment opportunities, contribute to the socio-economic development of border areas and promote greater integration with national markets.
In southern India, the Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce the travel time between the two cities by more than 2 hours, taking the journey to 8 hours 40 minutes.
Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will connect major IT and commercial hubs, providing faster and more comfortable travel options to professionals, students and tourists.
This route will promote greater economic activity and tourism between Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, supporting regional development and cooperation.
–IANS