Trains to Boost Connectivity Across North, Central, and South India

Varanasi | November 8, 2025:
In a major boost to India’s high-speed rail connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from the Banaras Railway Station in his parliamentary constituency, Varanasi. Calling it a “festival of development”, the Prime Minister said that modern infrastructure is the backbone of a strong, self-reliant India.

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🚆 Four New Routes Strengthening the National Vande Bharat Network

The newly launched semi-high-speed trains will run on the following routes:

1. Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express
2. Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express
3. Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express
4. Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express

These trains are designed to cut travel time significantly, provide enhanced passenger comfort, and connect key cultural, commercial, and spiritual hubs across India.

With this, the number of operational Vande Bharat trains across India has crossed 160, reflecting the government’s continued focus on rail modernization.

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🗣️ PM Modi: “Infrastructure is the Foundation of Progress”

Addressing a large public gathering at Banaras station, PM Modi said the new trains symbolize the country’s collective aspiration toward progress and self-reliance.

He highlighted that the impact of new connectivity goes beyond transportation — it fuels economic growth, tourism, employment, and ease of living for millions.

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🕉️ Vande Bharat Trains: Merging Development with Spiritual Heritage

PM Modi emphasized that these new Vande Bharat trains are not just about speed or modernity but also about connecting heritage cities, spiritual destinations, and growth centers across India.

He noted that Uttar Pradesh, in particular, has witnessed massive transformation over the past decade.

The new Vande Bharat routes, he added, will make pilgrimages and cultural travel faster and more accessible, while supporting regional trade and tourism.

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🛤️ Route-Wise Details of the New Vande Bharat Trains

1️⃣ Banaras–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express

• Key Stops: Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Satna, Khajuraho
• Travel Time Saved: ~2 hours 40 minutes faster than existing services
• Highlight: Connects two major heritage hubs — Varanasi (Kashi Vishwanath Temple) and Khajuraho (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Impact: Boosts religious and heritage tourism in central India.

2️⃣ Lucknow–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express

• Key Stops: Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Bijnor, Roorkee
• Travel Time: ~7 hours 45 minutes
• Benefit: Cuts travel time by nearly 1 hour; improves Uttar Pradesh’s internal connectivity.
• Tourism Impact: Offers direct and faster links to Haridwar and western UP, aiding both tourism and trade.

3️⃣ Firozpur–Delhi Vande Bharat Express

• Key Stops: Bathinda, Patiala, Ambala
• Travel Time: ~6 hours 40 minutes
• Highlight: Becomes the fastest train between Firozpur and Delhi.
• Impact: Strengthens commerce, defense connectivity, and employment prospects in Punjab’s border regions.

4️⃣ Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express

• Key Stops: Thrissur, Coimbatore, Hosur
• Travel Time: ~8 hours 40 minutes (2 hours faster than before)
• Impact: Improves South India’s business and tech corridor connectivity — benefiting professionals, students, and tourists.
• Passenger Engagement: Union Minister and actor Suresh Gopi greeted passengers onboard, distributing chocolates and interacting with children.

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🪔 Varanasi Decorated for ‘Festival of Development’

Varanasi was adorned with lights, rangolis, and banners welcoming the Prime Minister. The atmosphere was festive, resembling Dev Deepawali celebrations.
Decorations were arranged at major points including Sant Atulanand Bypass, JP Mehta Crossing, BLW Gate, and Babatpur route.

PM Modi also interacted with schoolchildren and local citizens before departing for Darbhanga, Bihar.

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🛡️ Tight Security and Crowd Management

Police Commissioner Mohit Agarwal confirmed extensive security arrangements:

• A three-tier security system with CCTV and drone surveillance
• The route declared a no-fly zone
• Rooftop security and multiple entry frisking zones (with separate queues for women)
• Traffic restrictions to ensure smooth VVIP movement
• Public announcement systems for effective crowd control

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⚙️ Vande Bharat: The New Face of Indian Railways

India’s Vande Bharat trains represent a leap toward high-speed, sustainable travel. These indigenous trains feature:

• Fully air-conditioned coaches
• Onboard Wi-Fi and infotainment
• Automatic doors & reclining seats
• GPS-based passenger information system
• Enhanced safety features and energy-efficient design

They are part of the government’s broader Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat initiatives — combining innovation, comfort, and nationalism into modern infrastructure.

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📊 Key Stats: Vande Bharat at a Glance

Particulars	Details (as of Nov 2025)
Total Vande Bharat trains	160+
Avg Speed	130–160 km/h
Longest Route	Delhi–Varanasi
States Covered	25+
Passengers Served	2.4 crore+ annually

As the festive season peaks, Amazon’s Diwali and Dhanteras sale has brought some of the biggest discounts of the year on electronics — and this time, 43-inch 4K Smart TVs are at the center of attention. Major brands including Xiaomi, Samsung, Toshiba, TCL, and Philips are offering massive price cuts, bringing premium entertainment within reach of most Indian households.

If you’ve been waiting to upgrade your home entertainment setup, this Dhanteras might be the perfect opportunity — with prices starting under ₹17,000 for 4K UHD Smart TVs.

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🎯 Festive Season Buying Tip

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🪔 Final Takeaway

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This Navratri Ashtami 2025, devotees across India will celebrate Kanjak Puja (Kanya Pujan or Kumari Puja), one of the most sacred rituals of the festival. On this day, young girls — regarded as living embodiments of Goddess Durga — are worshipped with devotion, offered food, gifts, and blessings.

Sharing Happy Kanjak wishes and images with loved ones has become a popular way of spreading festive cheer, positivity, and devotion.

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🌸 Significance of Kanjak Puja 2025

Kanjak Puja holds deep spiritual meaning in Hindu tradition:

• Divine Manifestation: Little girls (kanyas) are seen as the earthly form of Maa Durga’s Shakti.
• Traditional Rituals: Devotees wash the feet of the girls, offer them Ashtami prasad (puri, chana, and halwa), along with gifts and red chunri.
• Spiritual Lesson: The ritual emphasizes purity, innocence, and respect for feminine energy.
• Astrological Timing: This puja is performed on Ashtami or Navami Tithi of Navratri, considered highly auspicious.

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✨ Happy Kanjak Wishes for Navratri Ashtami 2025

Here are heartfelt greetings you can share with family and friends:

• Wishing you a blessed and joyful Kanjak Puja this Navratri Ashtami. 🌺
• May Maa Durga’s divine blessings bring peace, prosperity, and strength to your home. 🙏
• Happy Kanjak! May the innocence of little girls remind us of the goddess’s eternal power. 💫
• On this sacred day, may your prayers be fulfilled and your home filled with positivity. 🌸
• Worshipping kanya is worshipping divinity itself—Happy Kanjak 2025! 🕉️
• May purity, health, and happiness enter your life this Kanjak Puja. 🌼
• Celebrate the divinity of every girl child and embrace the blessings of Maa Durga. 🌹

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📸 Happy Kanjak Images for Sharing

Sharing festive images online is a wonderful way to connect with loved ones. Here are some themed ideas:

• Young girls dressed in vibrant lehengas and salwar suits, seated for Kanya Pujan.
• Traditional Ashtami prasad (puri, chana, halwa) served to little girls with blessings.
• Devotees offering red chunri, bangles, and gifts during Kanjak Puja rituals.
• Smiling little girls being worshipped as Maa Durga’s roop (form).

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🌼 Rituals Performed During Kanjak Puja

1. Kalash Sthapana – A sacred pot symbolizing Goddess Durga is worshipped.
2. Feet Washing Ceremony – The feet of little girls are respectfully washed.
3. Offering of Prasad – Traditional food like puri, halwa, and kala chana is served.
4. Gift Distribution – Devotees present clothes, money, or sweets to the kanya.
5. Chunri Ritual – Red or pink dupattas are tied around the girls as blessings.

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🌺 Why Celebrate Kanjak Puja?

• It teaches respect for women and girls as divine embodiments.
• It spreads joy, gratitude, and togetherness during Navratri.
• It is believed that worshipping kanyas removes negativity and brings prosperity.

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🎉 Conclusion

Kanjak Puja is not just a ritual; it’s a celebration of purity, innocence, and the eternal feminine energy. This Navratri Ashtami 2025, let’s share Happy Kanjak wishes and beautiful images, honour the divine in every girl child, and embrace Maa Durga’s blessings for peace, health, and prosperity.