SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, further expanding the country’s semi-high-speed rail network.
The newly inaugurated trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes. With their launch, the total number of operational Vande Bharat trains across India has now surpassed 160, officials said.
The Vande Bharat trains to be flagged off in a short while will boost connectivity and comfort! https://t.co/vwTHyQow7Z
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2025
Addressing a large public gathering after the inauguration, Prime Minister Modi said the Vande Bharat Express will “enhance connectivity and provide greater comfort” to passengers, calling it a matter of national pride. “Vande Bharat is a train made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians — one that fills every Indian with pride,” he remarked.
Delighted to flag off four Vande Bharat trains. These will enhance connectivity and provide greater comfort for citizens.
https://t.co/kHl2ufYLoF— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2025
Highlighting the government’s focus on modernising the railway sector, Modi said trains such as Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for a “new generation of Indian Railways”. He noted that even foreign visitors are often astonished by the progress of India’s rail infrastructure.
Emphasising the importance of robust infrastructure in driving economic growth, Modi said, “Infrastructure is a major factor in the progress of developed nations, and India too is moving swiftly on the path of development.”
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were present during the ceremony.
