Post by : Meena Ariff

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express trains, fortifying India’s modern railway framework and elevating connectivity among significant cultural, economic, and pilgrimage routes. The newly introduced trains will operate along the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru paths.

Speaking to a sizable public assembly following the launch, Modi highlighted the essential role that robust infrastructure plays in nation-building. He stated that reliable infrastructure is integral to the progress of any nation and that enhanced connectivity sparks urban development. Modi asserted that infrastructure encompasses more than large-scale bridges and highways; it also includes efficient transportation systems that foster regional growth.

The Prime Minister remarked that these trains symbolize progress rather than just serving as transportation. He acknowledged the spiritual dimension of connectivity, proposing that pilgrimages are pivotal in awakening the nation’s collective consciousness. Modi mentioned that the new trains connect historic cities while boosting development. He cited the surge in economic activity over the last ten years in Uttar Pradesh, as evidenced by the 11 crore devotees visiting Baba Vishwanath and over 6 crore pilgrims visiting Ram Lalla, collectively generating substantial revenue for the state.

The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will facilitate high-speed connectivity between two of India’s premiere heritage locations. Travel time has been trimmed to approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes, offering swifter and more convenient journeys. This route links several notable religious and cultural sites, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho, thereby enhancing access to the UNESCO World Heritage site. Expected to invigorate cultural tourism, this new service will transform the pilgrimage circuit in northern India.

The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will now complete its journey in roughly 7 hours and 45 minutes, reducing travel time by close to an hour. It will cater to passengers traveling from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, while also improving access to Haridwar through Roorkee. This improved route will facilitate easier intercity travel throughout central and western Uttar Pradesh, benefiting commuters, students, and business professionals alike.

On the Firozpur–Delhi route, the Vande Bharat Express will be the swiftest train, taking just 6 hours and 40 minutes to cover the distance. This service will create connections between Delhi and crucial Punjab cities like Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala, reinforcing economic and cultural links. Expected to foster trade, tourism, and employment in Punjab’s border regions, it will provide expeditious access to national markets and cut travel time for both leisure and business travelers.

In southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will achieve its journey in 8 hours and 40 minutes, slashing travel duration by more than two hours. This route unifies primary IT, educational, and commercial centers, allowing for a quicker and more comfortable travel experience for tourists, students, and professionals. By linking Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, this new train will inject vitality into regional economies, enhance tourism, and boost inter-state collaboration.

The launch of these four new trains signifies another pivotal advance in India’s commitment to a contemporary, efficient, and passenger-friendly rail system. The Vande Bharat Express series exemplifies the government’s vision for self-reliant and world-class rail infrastructure that prioritizes speed, safety, and comfort. As the nation works towards expanding its high-speed train network, these new routes are anticipated to enhance national mobility, stimulate tourism, and contribute to regional economic growth. This initiative reaffirms the government’s resolve to establish a well-connected, modern Bharat.

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