Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s two-day visit to his parliamentary constituency, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Thursday reviewed arrangements at the Varanasi railway station, where the inauguration of four new Vande Bharat Express trains will take place.

According to officials, PM Modi will flag off Vande Bharat services on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes on Friday, expanding the semi-high-speed network across multiple regions of the country.

Yogi reviews station, security, and event arrangements

During the inspection, Adityanath was briefed by senior railway and district officials on beautification efforts, passenger amenities, security plans, and venue setup.

He instructed authorities to ensure seamless coordination, cleanliness, effective traffic management, and strict security measures during the prime minister’s visit.

“The prime minister’s programme must proceed smoothly and without negligence,” the chief minister directed, according to an official statement.

Vande Bharat network expansion

A statement from the Press Information Bureau (PIB) said that the new trains will reduce travel time, boost regional mobility, and promote tourism and economic growth.

Key details of new routes:

  • Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat:
    Will offer direct connectivity between major spiritual and cultural hubs — Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho — and save about 2 hours 40 minutes compared to current trains.
    “The route will enhance religious and cultural tourism while offering pilgrims a fast, modern, and comfortable journey to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Khajuraho,” the PIB said.
  • Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat:
    Will cover the journey in 7 hours 45 minutes, saving nearly one hour, and improve access to Haridwar via Roorkee.
  • Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat:
    Will become the fastest train on the route, completing the trip in 6 hours 40 minutes, enhancing connectivity between Punjab’s border regions and the national capital.
  • Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat:
    Will cut travel time by over two hours, finishing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes, and link major IT and commercial centres, benefiting professionals, students, and tourists alike.

Yogi performs temple rituals in Varanasi

Earlier in the day, Adityanath visited prominent temples in Varanasi, offering prayers and seeking blessings ahead of the prime minister’s visit.

He performed rituals at the Baba Kal Bhairav Temple, revered as the Kotwal (guardian) of Kashi, followed by a ‘Shodashopachar’ puja at the Kashi Vishwanath Temple, praying for the happiness and prosperity of the people.

The temple complex reverberated with chants of “Har Har Mahadev” during the ceremony.
The chief minister also stopped at the Satua Baba Ashram near Manikarnika Ghat, where he met Santosh Das Maharaj, disciple of Satua Baba.