1.#Tuesday 11, November 2O25, 05:30. 4038./ 1# News Updates: PM flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi: 08 Nov, 2025: Print News. /2.##PM’s speech while flagging off four Vande Bharat Express Trains from Varanasi: 08 Nov, 2025: Print News. //

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1.#Tuesday 11, November 2O25, 05:30. 4038./ 

1# News Updates: PM flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi: 08 Nov, 2025: Print News. /

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VIDEO:  PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat Trains from Banaras Railway Station, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Comments:

Trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways: PM

India has embarked on a mission to enhance its resources for a developed India, and these trains are poised to become milestones in that journey: PM

Holy Pilgrimage sites are now being connected through the Vande Bharat network, marking a convergence of India’s culture, faith, and development journey; this is a significant step towards transforming heritage cities into symbols of national progress: PM

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In a significant step towards expanding India’s modern rail infrastructure, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh today. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Shri Modi welcomed all the dignitaries and offered his respectful greetings to all families of Varanasi, the sacred city of Baba Vishwanath. He remarked on the extraordinary celebrations witnessed during Dev Deepawali and noted that today is also an auspicious occasion and extended his best wishes to everyone for this festival of development.

Noting that across the developed nations of the world, a major driver of economic growth has been robust infrastructure, Shri Modi highlighted that in every country that has achieved significant progress and development, infrastructure advancement has played a pivotal role. He stated that India too is rapidly striding on this path. In this context, the Prime Minister announced the launch of new Vande Bharat trains across various regions of the country. In addition to the Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat, he flagged off the Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat, the Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat, and the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat. With these four new trains, the total number of operational Vande Bharat trains in the country has now exceeded 160. The Prime Minister extended his congratulations to the people of Varanasi and all citizens of India on the launch of these trains.

“Trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways”, underlined the Prime Minister, emphasising that this is a comprehensive campaign to transform Indian Railways. He described Vande Bharat as a train made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians—one that fills every Indian with pride. He noted that even foreign passengers are astonished upon seeing Vande Bharat. Shri Modi highlighted that India has embarked on a mission to enhance its resources for a developed India, and these trains are poised to become milestones in that journey.

Highlighting that in India, pilgrimage has for centuries been regarded as a medium of national consciousness, Shri Modi emphasized that these journeys are not merely routes for divine darshan, but sacred traditions that connect with the soul of India. He cited Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, and Kurukshetra as spiritual centers of the nation’s heritage. “These holy sites are now being connected through the Vande Bharat network; it marks a convergence of India’s culture, faith, and development journey. This is a significant step towards transforming heritage cities into symbols of national progress”, exclaimed the Prime Minister.

Highlighting the often-overlooked economic dimension of pilgrimage in India, the Prime Minister noted that over the past 11 years, developmental initiatives in Uttar Pradesh have elevated pilgrimage to a new level. Last year alone, 11 crore devotees visited Varanasi for darshan of Baba Vishwanath. Since the construction of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, over 6 crore people have visited the temple of Ram Lalla. Shri Modi stated that these pilgrims have contributed thousands of crores of rupees to Uttar Pradesh’s economy. He remarked that this influx has provided sustained earning opportunities to hotels, traders, transport companies, local artists, and boat operators across the state. As a result, hundreds of youth in Varanasi are now launching new ventures—from transport services to Banarasi saree businesses. He affirmed that these developments have opened the doors of prosperity in Uttar Pradesh and in Varanasi.

Prime Minister stated that to realize the mantra of a developed India through a developed Varanasi, continuous infrastructure development is underway in the city. He highlighted that Varanasi is witnessing the establishment, expansion and qualitative improvement of quality hospitals, improved roads, gas pipeline networks, and internet connectivity. He mentioned that rapid progress is being made on the ropeway project, and sports infrastructure such as the Ganjari and Sigra stadiums is also in place. The Prime Minister emphasized that the goal is to make visiting, living in, and experiencing Banaras a special experience for everyone.

Noting that the government is consistently working to improve healthcare services in Varanasi, Shri Modi recalled the situation 10–11 years ago, he remarked that for serious illnesses, Banaras Hindu University (BHU) was the only option, and due to overwhelming patient numbers, many were unable to receive treatment even after waiting overnight. For diseases like cancer, people had to sell land and farms to seek treatment in Mumbai. The Prime Minister affirmed that his government has worked to reduce these concerns. He listed the Mahamana Cancer Hospital for cancer treatment, Shankar Netralaya for eye care, the advanced trauma center and Centenary Hospital at BHU, and the divisional hospital at Pandeypur as institutions that have become a boon for Varanasi, Purvanchal, and neighboring states. He added that due to Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras in these hospitals, lakhs of poor patients are saving crores of rupees. This has not only alleviated public anxiety but has also led to Varanasi being recognized as the health capital of the entire region.

Emphasizing the need to sustain the momentum and energy of Varanasi’s development so that the grandeur of the city continues to grow rapidly in prosperity, Shri Modi concluded by expressed the vision that every visitor from across the world should experience a unique energy, enthusiasm, and joy in the sacred city of Baba Vishwanath.

Shri Modi also mentioned about meeting the students who were present at the flag-off event. He praised Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw for making it a practice to arrange competition among students during the launch of Vande Bharat trains. He commended the children for the paintings and poems presented at the competition, based on various themes like Viksit Bharat, Viksit Kashi, Surakshit Bharat. He also lauded their parents and teachers for the support, guidance and encouragement provided. The Prime Minister further proposed the idea of organising a Children’s literary meet and the 8-10 winners can be taken across India for other competitions. He further expressed pride of being a parliamentarian from Varanasi which has such talented children and congratulated them.

Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Shri Yogi Adityanath, Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw were present among other dignitaries at the event. Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Arlekar, Union Ministers, Shri Suresh Gopi, Shri George Kurian, Shri Ravneet Singh Bittu and other dignitaries had connected through videoconferencing to the event.

Background:

The flagging off of 4 new Vande Bharat trains marks another milestone in realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of providing citizens with easier, faster, and more comfortable travel through world-class railway services. The new Vande Bharat Express trains will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes. By significantly reducing travel time between major destinations, these trains will enhance regional mobility, promote tourism, and support economic activity across the country.

The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat will establish direct connectivity on this route and save about 2 hours 40 minutes compared to the special trains currently in operation. The Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express will connect some of India’s most revered religious and cultural destinations, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho. This link will not only strengthen religious and cultural tourism but also provide pilgrims and travelers with a fast, modern, and comfortable journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho.

The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat will cover the journey in approximately 7 hours 45 minutes, saving nearly 1 hour of travel time. The Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express will greatly benefit passengers from Lucknow, Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, and Saharanpur, while also improving access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee. By ensuring smoother and faster intercity travel across central and western Uttar Pradesh, this service will play a key role in enhancing connectivity and regional development.

The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat will be the fastest train on this route, completing the journey in just 6 hours 40 minutes. The Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express will strengthen connectivity between the national capital and key cities in Punjab, including Firozpur, Bathinda, and Patiala. This train is expected to boost trade, tourism, and employment opportunities, contributing to the socio-economic development of border regions and fostering greater integration with national markets.

In Southern India, the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat will reduce travel time by over 2 hours, completing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes. The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will connect major IT and commercial hubs, providing professionals, students, and tourists with a faster and more comfortable travel option. The route will promote greater economic activity and tourism between Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, supporting regional growth and collaboration.

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2.##PM’s speech while flagging off four Vande Bharat Express Trains from Varanasi: 08 Nov, 2025: Print News. //

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VIDEO: PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat Trains from Banaras Railway Station, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

PM’s speech while flagging off four Vande Bharat Express Trains from Varanasi

Har Har Mahadev!

Namah Parvati Pataye!

Har Har Mahadev!

The energetic Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Yogi Adityanath ji; my colleague in the Union Cabinet and the one leading the remarkable technological progress that is laying the strong foundation of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), Ashwini Vaishnaw ji; joining us through technology from Ernakulam, the Governor of Kerala, Shri Rajendra Arlekar ji; my colleagues in the Centre, Suresh Gopi ji and George Kurian ji; all other ministers and public representatives present at this program in Kerala; my colleague from the Centre and Punjab leader, Ravneet Singh Bittu ji, who is connected from Firozpur; all public representatives there; Uttar Pradesh’s Deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak ji, connected from Lucknow; other distinguished guests; and my family members here in Kashi!

In this sacred city of Baba Vishwanath, I offer my salutations to all of you, to every family of Kashi! I witnessed the grand celebration of Dev Deepawali, and today is also an auspicious day. I extend my best wishes to all of you for this festival of development

Friends,

In developed countries around the world, a major reason behind their economic progress has been their strong infrastructure. In every nation that has achieved significant growth and development, the driving force behind their progress has been infrastructure development. For example, imagine a region that has not had a railway line for years, no tracks, no trains, no station. But as soon as the tracks are laid and a station is built, the development of that town begins automatically. In a village where there are no proper roads for years and people use muddy paths to move around, but once a small road is built, farmers begin to travel easily, and their produce starts reaching the markets. Infrastructure does not mean only big bridges and highways. Whenever such facilities are developed anywhere, the growth of that region begins. The same is true for our villages, our small towns, and for the entire country. The number of airports being built, the number of Vande Bharat trains running, and the increasing number of international flights connecting Bharat to the world—all these are now linked with development. Today, Bharat too is moving rapidly on this path. In this very spirit, new Vande Bharat trains are being inaugurated in different parts of the country. Along with the Kashi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat, the Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat, Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat have also been flagged off. With these four new trains, more than 160 Vande Bharat trains are now operational across the country. I extend my heartiest congratulations to the people of Kashi and to all citizens of the country for this achievement.

Friends,

Today, trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways. This is a complete campaign to transform the Indian Railways. Vande Bharat is a train made in Bharat, by Indians, for Indians, and every Indian feels proud of it. Earlier, it was like, “Can we really do this? Isn’t this something that only happens abroad? Can it happen here?” Now it’s happening! Isn’t it? Is it happening in our country or not?  Is it being made in our own country, by our own people or not? This is the strength of our country. Today, even foreign travellers are amazed when they see the Vande Bharat train. The way Bharat has begun its mission to enhance its capabilities for a Viksit Bharat (Developed India), these trains are becoming a milestone in that journey.

Friends,

For centuries, pilgrimages in Bharat have been seen as a medium of the nation’s consciousness. These journeys are not merely paths to divine darshan, but sacred traditions that connect the soul of Bharat. Places like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, Kurukshetra and countless other pilgrimage sites are the centres of our spiritual heritage. Now, as these holy places are getting connected through the Vande Bharat network, it is also connecting Bharat’s culture, faith, and development. It marks a significant step in making Bharat’s heritage cities symbols of the nation’s progress.

Friends,

These pilgrimages also have an economic dimension, which often doesn’t get enough attention. Over the past 11 years, the development works in Uttar Pradesh have taken religious tourism to an entirely new level. Last year alone, 11 crore devotees visited Kashi for Baba Vishwanath’s darshan. Since the construction of the Ram Temple, more than 6 crore devotees have visited Ayodhya to seek blessings of Ram Lalla. These pilgrims have contributed thousands of crores of rupees to Uttar Pradesh’s economy. They have provided continuous income opportunities for hotels, traders, transport companies, local artists, and boatmen. As a result, hundreds of youth in Banaras are now starting new businesses, ranging from transport services to Banarasi sarees and many other ventures. All of this is opening the doors of prosperity in Uttar Pradesh, especially in Kashi.

Friends,

To realize the mantra of “Viksit Kashi to Viksit Bharat” (Developed India through a Developed Kashi,) we are continuously undertaking numerous infrastructure projects here. Today, Kashi is witnessing expansion and improvement in hospitals, roads, gas pipelines, and internet connectivity and the growth is just not in numbers, but there have been qualitative improvements as well. Work on the ropeway project is progressing rapidly. Sports infrastructure like the Ganjari and Sigra Stadiums is now coming up. Our effort is to make visiting Banaras, living in Banaras, and experiencing the facilities of Banaras a unique and special experience for everyone.

Friends,

Our government is constantly working to improve healthcare services in Kashi. About 10-11 years ago, the situation was such that for any serious illness, people had only one option, which was BHU (Banaras Hindu University). The number of patients was so large that even after standing in queues the entire night, many couldn’t get treatment. When someone was diagnosed with a serious disease like cancer, families had to sell their land and farms to go to Mumbai for treatment. Today, our government has worked to reduce these worries of the people of Kashi. For cancer treatment, the Mahamana Cancer Hospital has been established; for eye care, the Shankar Netralaya; within BHU, a state-of-the-art Trauma Centre and the Shatabdi Hospital; and in Pandeypur, the Divisional Hospital — all these hospitals have become a blessing not only for Kashi and Purvanchal but also for neighbouring states. Because of Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, lakhs of poor people are now saving crores of rupees on their medical expenses. On one hand, this has eased people’s concerns; on the other, Kashi is now being recognized as the Health Capital of the entire region.

Friends,

We must continue to maintain this momentum and energy in Kashi’s development, so that this grand and divine city also becomes prosperous at a fast pace. And whoever visits Kashi from anywhere in the world, may they feel a unique energy, a special enthusiasm, and an unmatched joy in this sacred city of Baba Vishwanath.

Friends,

Just a while ago, I was speaking with some students inside the Vande Bharat train. I congratulate Ashwini ji, who has started a wonderful tradition and that is wherever a Vande Bharat train is inaugurated, competitions are held among schoolchildren on various themes related to development, Vande Bharat, and the vision of a Viksit Bharat through paintings and poems. Although the children had only a few days to prepare, I was deeply impressed by their creativity. They had made drawings depicting a Viksit Kashi, a Viksit Bharat, and a Surakshit Bharat (Safe India). I also heard poems written by 12- to 14-year-old boys and girls. Such beautiful and thoughtful verses! As the Member of Parliament for Kashi, I felt immense pride that such talented children belong to my Kashi. I met a few of them here and one child, despite having a hand disability, made an extraordinary painting. It filled me with great joy. I wholeheartedly congratulate the teachers of these schools for inspiring and guiding the children, and I also extend my wishes to the parents, who must have played a role in nurturing their talent and enthusiasm. In fact, I got the idea that we should organize a ‘kavi sammelan’ (poetry gathering) for these children here, and select 8–10 of the best young poets to share their poems across the country. It was such a moving and inspiring experience for me that as the MP of Kashi, I felt truly delighted today. I heartily commend and congratulate these children.

Friends,

Today, I have to attend several programs, which is why only a short event was planned here. I also have to leave soon, but seeing so many of you gathered here early in the morning fills me with great joy. Once again, my heartfelt congratulations to all of you for today’s event and for the new Vande Bharat trains. Thank you very much!

Har Har Mahadev!

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JAI HIND
JAI BHARATHAM
VANDE MATRAM
BHARAT MATHA KI JAI.

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