Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh :
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express services from Varanasi, marking another push to expand India’s fast, modern rail network. Speaking at the ceremony in the holy city, he greeted local families and acknowledged the recent Dev Deepawali celebrations, calling the day an auspicious moment for launching a “festival of development.”
New Routes and Fleet Expansion
The trains flagged off include the Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat, Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat, Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat. With these additions, the operational Vande Bharat fleet in India now exceeds 160 trains. The Prime Minister congratulated citizens for the expanded connectivity and highlighted the role of such services in improving travel quality and convenience.
Infrastructure as an Engine of Growth
PM Modi framed the launches within a broader development narrative, saying advanced infrastructure has been a fundamental driver of growth in countries that have achieved significant progress. He described Vande Bharat, along with initiatives like Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat, as foundational projects aimed at transforming Indian Railways into a next-generation transport system built by Indians for Indians.
Linking Heritage, Pilgrimage, and Development
The Prime Minister emphasised the cultural and economic significance of connecting pilgrimage and heritage sites. He noted that routes now link important spiritual centres such as Varanasi, Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, and Kurukshetra, arguing that better connectivity can turn heritage cities into symbols of national progress while strengthening tourism and local economies.
Economic and Local Impact
Modi pointed to rising pilgrimage numbers and their economic benefits, citing recent increases in visitors to Varanasi and Ayodhya that have generated substantial local income. He said that improved rail links support hotels, traders, transport providers, artisans, and small businesses, and create opportunities for young entrepreneurs across cities like Varanasi.
Health, Services, and Urban Upgrades in Varanasi
The Prime Minister highlighted parallel improvements in Varanasi’s civic infrastructure, including hospitals, road upgrades, gas and internet networks, sports facilities, and a ropeway project. He described new and upgraded medical facilities as easing past burdens on patients and families and said these changes contribute to Varanasi’s emergence as a regional health hub.
Youth Engagement and Cultural Initiatives
During the event PM Modi met students who participated in competitions held for the launch, praising their paintings and poems on themes such as Viksit Bharat and Viksit Kashi. He proposed organising a children’s literary meet and suggested taking winners to other parts of India to showcase their talents, commending parents and teachers for their support.
Dignitaries and Broader Benefits
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Yogi Adityanath and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were present, while other officials joined via video link. The new Vande Bharat services are expected to cut travel times significantly on their respective routes, boost regional mobility, promote tourism, and support trade and employment across connected states.
