Indian Railways expands its high-speed network with four new Vande Bharat Express routes connecting key Indian cities.
Indian Railways Adds Four New Vande Bharat Routes
The Vande Bharat new routes announcement marks another milestone in India’s semi-high-speed rail network. The Ministry of Railways has approved four new Vande Bharat Express services, further enhancing inter-state connectivity and modernising passenger travel.
According to a PTI report, the new routes include:
- Bengaluru–Kochi (Ernakulam Junction)
- Firozpur Cantt–Delhi
- Varanasi–Khajuraho
- Lucknow–Saharanpur
This expansion will strengthen rail connections across Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, boosting both business and tourism connectivity.
Bengaluru–Kochi Vande Bharat Express Schedule
Among the Vande Bharat new routes, the Bengaluru–Kochi line is set to begin operations first.
According to the Railway Board notification, train number 26651 KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Junction Vande Bharat Express will:
- Depart Bengaluru: 5:10 AM
- Arrive Ernakulam Junction: 1:50 PM
The return service, 26652 Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat, will:
- Depart Ernakulam: 2:20 PM
- Arrive Bengaluru: 11:00 PM
The train will halt at Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur.
This route will drastically cut travel time between Karnataka and Kerala, providing faster and more comfortable intercity travel options.
Vande Bharat Expands Across Six States
The newly approved Vande Bharat new routes will cover a wide geographic spread:
- The Firozpur–Delhi route connects major cities in Punjab to the national capital, offering faster alternatives for northern travellers.
- The Varanasi–Khajuraho line will link Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, two states rich in culture and tourism potential.
- The Lucknow–Saharanpur train enhances connectivity within Uttar Pradesh, improving access between the state capital and its northwestern districts.
Together, these routes will significantly strengthen the government’s “Make Railways Modern” initiative aimed at speed, safety, and passenger comfort.
Inaugural Run & Rollout Details
The Ministry of Railways has directed both the Southern Railway and South Western Railway zones to operationalise the Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express “at the earliest possible date.”
The official note states:
“If required, the inaugural train may be operated as a special service which shall pick up its respective link subsequently.”
This approach allows for early commencement while ensuring seamless integration into existing schedules.
Vande Bharat Network Keeps Growing
With these new additions, India’s Vande Bharat Express fleet continues to expand rapidly. The trains have become a symbol of India’s technological progress — combining speed, safety, and comfort for modern travellers.
So far, the Indian Railways operates more than 60 Vande Bharat Express trains, covering nearly every major region of the country. The goal is to connect all state capitals and major cities by 2026.
Boost to Tourism and Economy
Experts believe these Vande Bharat new routes will not only enhance passenger convenience but also promote tourism, trade, and regional development. Routes like Varanasi–Khajuraho will boost temple tourism, while Firozpur–Delhi is expected to help daily business commuters.
With improved connectivity, reduced travel time, and modern onboard amenities, the Vande Bharat network continues to reshape India’s rail travel experience.
| Train Route | Train No. | Departure | Arrival | Frequency | Key Stops / Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| KSR Bengaluru – Ernakulam Jn | 26651 | 5:10 AM (Bengaluru) | 1:50 PM (Ernakulam) | Daily | Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, Thrissur |
| Ernakulam Jn – KSR Bengaluru | 26652 | 2:20 PM (Ernakulam) | 11:00 PM (Bengaluru) | Daily | Return service of Bengaluru–Ernakulam route |
| Firozpur Cantt – Delhi | — | — | — | 6 Days/Week (Expected) | Connects Punjab with the national capital |
| Varanasi – Khajuraho | — | — | — | 5 Days/Week (Expected) | Boosts tourism between Uttar Pradesh & Madhya Pradesh |
| Lucknow – Saharanpur | — | — | — | 6 Days/Week (Expected) | Improves connectivity across Uttar Pradesh |
Tanisha Singh writes for Hindi News 99, covering India news and technology with accurate and engaging updates.