Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated four new Vande Bharat Express trains during his visit to Varanasi, his parliamentary constituency. This event, held at the Banaras railway station, enhances India's semi-high-speed train network, bringing the total number of Vande Bharat trains in the country to 160. The newly launched trains will operate on the Varanasi–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes, aimed at improving travel speed and connectivity across various regions.

The Banaras–Khajuraho route will connect significant cultural and religious sites, saving approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing services. The Lucknow–Saharanpur train will reduce travel time by nearly an hour, benefiting passengers from several towns and enhancing access to Haridwar. The Firozpur–Delhi service will be the fastest on its route, completing the journey in 6 hours and 40 minutes, while the Ernakulam–Bengaluru train will cut travel time by over two hours, making it a convenient option for professionals and tourists.

During the flag-off ceremony, PM Modi stated, "Now with these four new trains, the country has more than 160 Vande Bharat trains operational. I congratulate the people of Kashi and across the country. Vande Bharat and Namo Bharat represent the new generation of Indian Railways."

The Prime Minister's two-day visit to Varanasi also includes interactions with local citizens and officials, highlighting the government's commitment to modernising rail transport and enhancing regional connectivity. The new trains are expected to boost tourism and trade, contributing to the socio-economic development of the areas they serve.