PM Modi launches 4 new Vande Bharat trains from Varanasi
Prime Minister Narendra Modi just launched four new Vande Bharat trains from Varanasi. He personally flagged off the Varanasi-Khajuraho Express and kicked off three more routes—Delhi-Firozpur, Lucknow-Saharanpur, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru—virtually.
These new trains are expected to make travel faster and smoother, especially for those heading to major pilgrimage spots, while also giving a boost to local economies.
Modi on railways' role in boosting pilgrimage tourism
Modi pointed out that improved railways and infrastructure have been highlighted alongside a big jump in pilgrimage tourism—last year alone, 110 million people visited Baba Vishwanath in Varanasi.
The new Ram Temple in Ayodhya also drew over 60 million visitors, creating jobs and supporting local businesses.
Plus, he highlighted how Varanasi is growing as a healthcare hub thanks to ongoing development projects.