Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh), November 8 (Udaipur Kiran): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi, and hailed the initiative as a symbol of India’s growing self-reliance and innovation. Addressing the gathering at the Banaras (Manduadih) Railway Station, he said, “Vande Bharat is a train made by Indians, for Indians, and of Indians. Every Indian should feel proud of it.”
The Prime Minister emphasized that economic growth across the world is closely linked to infrastructure development, and India is moving rapidly in this direction. The launch of new Vande Bharat trains, he said, reflects India’s commitment to modern connectivity and technological advancement.
“Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat trains are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways. This is a movement to transform Indian Railways into a world-class system,” the Prime Minister said.
Connecting Faith and Development
PM Modi underlined the spiritual and cultural importance of improved rail connectivity, noting that India’s ancient pilgrimage circuits have always been at the heart of its cultural identity.
“Pilgrimages like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, and Kurukshetra are not just religious destinations — they are living expressions of India’s soul. As these sacred cities get connected through the Vande Bharat network, we are also connecting faith, heritage, and development,” he remarked.
He described the new trains as a bridge between India’s spiritual legacy and its modern development journey, adding that this initiative turns heritage cities into symbols of progress.
Better Connectivity, Stronger Growth
Highlighting the broader vision behind the project, the Prime Minister said that a city’s true development begins with improved connectivity. Infrastructure, he added, goes far beyond bridges and highways — it drives regional mobility, economic activity, and overall growth.
“The newly launched Vande Bharat trains are not just about faster travel — they represent the momentum of a new India, connecting aspirations with opportunities,” he said.
Improving Healthcare in Kashi
PM Modi also spoke about the significant improvements in healthcare facilities in Varanasi, recalling how a decade ago, residents struggled to find treatment for serious illnesses.
“Ten to eleven years ago, people had to stand in long queues at BHU just to get a bed. Today, several hospitals, including the Mahamana Cancer Institute, have been established. Through Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras, affordable healthcare has reached the poor across Purvanchal and neighboring states,” he added.
Warm Welcome and Symbolic Launch
The Prime Minister began his address in Bhojpuri, greeting the audience with:
“Hum dekhi ki Dev Deepawali par ketna adbhut ayojan bhail. Aaj ke din bada shubh baa.”
He extended greetings for the occasion, calling it a “festival of development.”
PM Modi flagged off the Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express in person and virtually inaugurated three other trains — Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express — connecting major cities across India.
Upon his arrival at Banaras Railway Station, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath welcomed the Prime Minister warmly.
The event marked yet another milestone in India’s ambitious rail modernization drive, combining national pride, innovation, and inclusivity under the banner of “Viksit Bharat.”
Bhupendra Singh Chundawat is a seasoned technology journalist with over 22 years of experience in the media industry. He specializes in covering the global technology landscape, with a deep focus on manufacturing trends and the geopolitical impact on tech companies. Currently serving as the Editor at Udaipur Kiran, his insights are shaped by decades of hands-on reporting and editorial leadership in the fast-evolving world of technology.
