The North News
Varanasi(UP), November 8
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, hailing it as a milestone in India’s journey toward a modern rail network. Addressing a large gathering in his parliamentary constituency, Modi described the launch as a “festival of development” and said the trains represent India’s technological and cultural pride.
The new services will connect Banaras–Khajuraho, Firozpur–Delhi, Lucknow–Saharanpur, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru, taking the total number of operational Vande Bharat trains in India to over 160. Modi said these additions mark another step in making travel faster, cleaner, and more comfortable for millions of passengers. “Trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are shaping the next generation of Indian Railways,” Modi said. “Vande Bharat is made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians — and it fills every Indian with pride.” He added that even foreign travellers are impressed by the country’s rapid advancements in rail infrastructure.
The Prime Minister underlined that robust infrastructure has been a cornerstone of every developed nation’s growth, and India is now firmly on that path.
Highlighting India’s centuries-old tradition of pilgrimage as a unifying cultural force, Modi said cities such as Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, and Kurukshetra are now being linked through the expanding Vande Bharat network. “It is a convergence of India’s culture, faith, and development journey,” he remarked. He also pointed to the economic dimension of pilgrimage, saying that in the last 11 years, spiritual tourism in Uttar Pradesh has boosted local livelihoods. “Last year alone, 11 crore devotees visited Baba Vishwanath’s temple, and after the construction of the Ram Temple, more than six crore have visited Ayodhya,” Modi said. “This influx has pumped thousands of crores into the state’s economy, benefitting hotels, traders, transporters, and artisans.”
Modi said continuous work was underway to transform Varanasi into a model of modern urban growth, with new hospitals, roads, gas pipelines, and improved internet connectivity. He mentioned the upcoming ropeway project and upgrades to sports facilities like Ganjari and Sigra stadiums.
Recalling the healthcare challenges of a decade ago, he said the establishment of facilities such as Mahamana Cancer Hospital, Shankar Netralaya, and the advanced trauma centre at BHU has made Varanasi the “health capital” of eastern India. Schemes like Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, he added, have helped lakhs of poor patients save significant treatment costs.
The Prime Minister also interacted with students who participated in competitions during the flag-off ceremony, praising their creativity on themes like Viksit Bharat and Viksit Kashi. He proposed holding a Children’s Literary Meet and taking winners on educational tours across India.
Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Suresh Gopi, George Kurian, and Ravneet Singh Bittu joined the ceremony, while Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath attended in person. Kerala Governor Rajendra Arlekar also connected virtually.
The four new routes are expected to significantly cut travel time and improve regional connectivity. Officials said the new trains will boost tourism, trade, and intercity travel efficiency across India, in line with the government’s goal of transforming railways into a global standard of excellence.
