Prime Minister Narendra Modi today flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi Railway Station on Saturday.
The Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express was flagged off in person, while the Delhi–Ferozepur, Lucknow–Saharanpur, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru trains were flagged off virtually.
Highlighting the importance of infrastructure, Modi said, “Robust infrastructure has been the foundation of every developed nation, and India is moving swiftly on the same path. With the expansion of railway networks, roads, and new systems, a new chapter of growth is being written across the country.”
He informed that over 160 Vande Bharat trains are now operational across India, symbolising the nation’s engineering excellence and self-reliance.
“Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat trains are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways. Built by Indians for Indians, Vande Bharat is a matter of national pride,” he said.
The PM noted that pilgrimages are not merely religious journeys but a tradition that connects the nation’s soul.
Holy destinations like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, and Kurukshetra are now linked through the Vande Bharat network, creating a confluence of faith and development.
Modi said pilgrimage and tourism have significantly boosted economic activity in Uttar Pradesh over the past decade.
“Last year, 11 crore devotees visited Baba Vishwanath, and after the construction of the Ram Temple, over 6 crore devotees have visited Ram Lala in Ayodhya. This has generated thousands of crores in revenue and created employment opportunities for lakhs of people,” he said.
Meanwhile, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath was also present on the occasion apart from union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar etc.