Posted on November 8, 2025
The launch of four new Vande Bharat Express lines marks a major milestone for India’s rail network, making travel faster, smarter and more convenient. With these high-speed trains connecting major cities like Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow-Saharanpur Junction, Ferozepur Cantt-Delhi and Bengaluru-Ernakulam, passengers can now enjoy significantly shorter travel times and enhanced travel experience, putting Indian Railways at the forefront of modern transportation.
India on Saturday took an important step forward in strengthening its high-speed rail network with the launch of four new Vande Bharat Express trains. These new services – Banaras-Khajuraho, Lucknow Junction-Saharanpur, Ferozepur Cantt-Delhi and Bengaluru-Ernakulam – will connect major cities across north and south India, further cementing the country’s commitment to modernizing its transport infrastructure.
The introduction of these trains will significantly reduce travel time between major destinations, providing passengers with a faster and more comfortable journey. These high-speed trains are expected to have a positive impact on regional mobility, tourism, trade and overall economic growth. Through these new routes, India is poised to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and facilitate the movement of goods through important commercial and cultural hubs.
Banaras-Khajuraho: Connecting spiritual and cultural heritage
The Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will create a direct link between two of India’s most important cultural and spiritual destinations – Varanasi and Khajuraho. Varanasi, known for its ancient temples and the Ganges River, and Khajuraho, home to UNESCO World Heritage-listed temples known for their architectural and artistic brilliance, are major attractions for tourists and pilgrims alike. This new route will also pass through Prayagraj and Chitrakoot, two important pilgrimage sites in Uttar Pradesh.
By saving approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing travel options, the Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will make it easier for travelers to visit the temples of Khajuraho and experience its rich cultural history. Faster and more efficient connectivity is expected to increase demand for both destinations, benefiting local economies and boosting tourism in these heritage-rich areas.
Lucknow-Saharapur: Strengthening connectivity in Uttar Pradesh
The Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express train will complete the journey in around 7 hours and 45 minutes, reducing the travel time by nearly an hour. This new service will benefit passengers from cities like Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor and Saharanpur, while also improving access to Haridwar, a major pilgrimage destination, via Roorkee.
This enhanced connectivity will help bridge the gaps between central and western Uttar Pradesh, facilitating smoother inter-city travel. The road will play a crucial role in promoting regional development by facilitating residents’ travel to nearby cities for work, business and leisure. By reducing travel time and offering a convenient travel experience, the Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will help integrate the region more effectively into the broader economic and social fabric of the state.
Ferozepur-Delhi: Promoting trade and economy in Punjab
The Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in just 6 hours and 40 minutes. This high-speed service will connect Delhi to vital cities in Punjab, including Ferozepur, Bathinda and Patiala. As the border areas of Punjab are increasingly becoming major centers of trade and industry, this high-speed train service is expected to improve economic links between the state and the national capital.
The new train will enhance trade and employment opportunities, and promote growth in the local economy. By offering a faster and more reliable travel option, the Ferozepur-Delhi Vande Bharat Express will also contribute to boosting tourism in Punjab. This service will help bring Punjab closer to national markets and attract more visitors to the region’s many historical sites, making it easier for tourists to experience Punjab’s unique culture and heritage.
Bengaluru-Ernakulam: Facilitating growth in the South Indian Economic Corridor
In southern India, the Bengaluru-Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time to just 8 hours and 40 minutes, saving more than two hours compared to current travel options. This route will connect Bengaluru, a major IT and trade hub, with Ernakulam, an important port city in Kerala, known for its growing tourism industry. The service will serve as an important link for professionals, students and tourists traveling between these two cities, both of which are major economic centers in the region.
This faster and more convenient train service will also strengthen economic and tourism ties between Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, three states that are critical to the growth of the south Indian economy. The new train is expected to make travel easier for those attending business meetings, educational institutions or leisure trips, contributing to regional cooperation and boosting tourism in South India.
Looking to the future: impact on regional development and national connectivity
The launch of the four new Vande Bharat Express trains marks an important milestone in India’s efforts to modernize its rail network. These high-speed services will not only improve travel efficiency, but will also help promote economic development and increase connectivity between major cities. With faster and more reliable train services, India is poised to enhance its transport infrastructure and provide more convenient travel options to passengers across the country.
The launch of four new Vande Bharat Express lines has revolutionized India’s rail network by making travel faster, smarter and more convenient. These high-speed trains will significantly reduce travel times, connect major cities and enhance passenger experience across the country.
These new roads are expected to enhance economic growth, encourage tourism, and reduce road congestion, which will benefit millions of passengers. By providing more efficient and accessible travel options, Vande Bharat Express trains will play a key role in India’s continued growth and development, making it easier for citizens to access cultural, commercial and educational centres. As India continues to invest in high-speed rail technology, these new services represent a step towards a more connected and prosperous future.
