Indian Railways unveils four new Vande Bharat Express lines, enhancing rail connectivity between major cities and offering faster and more convenient travel.

Posted on November 3, 2025

Indian Railways is taking a bold step towards modernizing its long distance train services with the upcoming launch of four new Vande Bharat Express trains. This expansion will enhance rail connectivity across key areas, improving travel options for passengers and significantly reducing travel time. The new routes will connect major cities including Bengaluru, Kochi, Ferozepur Cantt, Delhi, Varanasi, Khajuraho, Lucknow and Saharanpur, making it a historic step in the government’s plan to revolutionize the rail network.

With these additions, the total number of Vande Bharat trains will increase, enhancing semi-high-speed rail services in India. These new trains will benefit passengers traveling across Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Delhi, opening new opportunities for fast, comfortable travel and better accessibility.

Bengaluru to Kochi: Connecting two southern hubs with speed and convenience

The new Vande Bharat Express train connecting Bengaluru and Kochi promises to be a game-changer for those traveling between these two bustling cities. The service will cover a distance of 519 kilometres, significantly reducing travel time, and will operate with the latest amenities to ensure a comfortable journey. The train, number 26651, will depart from KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 am, and reach Ernakulam Junction in Kochi by 1:50 pm, with several convenient stops along the way, including Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tirupur, Coimbatore, Palakkad and Thrissur.

On the return journey, the train will leave Ernakulam Junction at 2:20 PM and reach Bengaluru by 11:00 PM. This route is the third Vande Bharat service in Kerala, further enhancing the state’s connectivity after the success of the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram-Mangaluru routes.

Ferozepur Cantt to Delhi: Faster link between Punjab and the capital

The Ferozepur Cantt to Delhi Vande Bharat Express will provide faster travel between Punjab and the capital, covering 486 km in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. This will provide an efficient option for travelers between the two regions. The train will run six days a week, except Wednesdays, and will mainly stop at Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhauri, Patiala, Ambala Cantt, Kurukshetra and Panipat.

Train No. 26462 will depart from Ferozepur Cantt at 7:55 AM and reach Delhi at 2:35 PM, while return service 26461 will depart Delhi at 4:00 PM and reach Ferozepur Cantt at 10:35 PM. This enhanced service will reduce the travel time between these two major destinations, providing a faster and more comfortable journey for passengers.

Varanasi to Khajuraho and Lucknow to Saharanpur: Enhancing connectivity in North India

The Varanasi-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will connect two of the most important cultural and tourism destinations in North India. The train will cover a distance of 443 kilometers in 7 hours and 40 minutes, providing a comfortable and fast travel option. Stations along the route will include Vindhyachal, Prayagraj Chheoki, Chitrakut Dham, Banda and Mahoba. Train No. 26422 will depart from Varanasi at 5:25 AM and reach Khajuraho by 1:10 PM, while return train No. 26421 will depart from Khajuraho at 3:20 PM and reach Varanasi by 11:00 PM.

On the Lucknow-Saharanpur route, the Vande Bharat Express will cover a distance of over 534 km in 7 hours and 45 minutes, stopping at Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Najibabad and Roorkee. The new train service will provide faster and more comfortable travel between these two important cities, while significantly improving connectivity for passengers.

India’s railway modernization: A leap towards future-ready travel

The addition of the four new Vande Bharat Express trains will increase the total number of these services to 164, strengthening Vande Bharat’s role in modernization of Indian Railways. These trains are equipped with modern features that enhance the travel experience, including surveillance cameras in all coaches, emergency alarm buttons, and communication units that allow passengers to speak with train staff.

One of the notable features of the new Vande Bharat trains is the inclusion of specialized toilets designed for differently-abled passengers, enhancing accessibility for all. Combined with comfortable seats, better air conditioning, and sound insulation for a quieter journey, these trains are designed to provide passengers with a premium travel experience.

A vision for the future of Indian Railways

The introduction of the four new Vande Bharat trains is part of a broader effort by the government to modernize and develop India’s railway system. As railways continue to play a crucial role in connecting the country’s far-flung regions, Vande Bharat Express trains represent the future of fast, safe and convenient travel in India. With more services planned in the coming years, the expansion of Vande Bharat’s network is set to transform long-distance travel, allowing travelers to move around the country with greater ease and efficiency.

Indian Railways is launching four new Vande Bharat Express lines, connecting major cities like Bengaluru, Kochi, Delhi and Lucknow. These new services promise faster travel times, enhanced convenience and modernization of long-distance rail travel across India.

By reducing travel times, offering modern amenities, and expanding rail connectivity in the country, Vande Bharat Express makes long-distance rail travel a more attractive and viable option for millions of passengers. As Indian Railways continues to evolve, these new services will undoubtedly help shape the future of rail travel in India.