Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three new Vande Bharat trains Bengaluru–Belagavi, Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Nagpur–Pune enhancing tourism, commerce, and connectivity. The launch marks major infrastructure progress, including improved pilgrimage travel and the first freight train to Anantnag, boosting regional trade and economic growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off the services of three Vande Bharat trains, a move aimed at strengthening tourism, commerce, and connectivity across India. The inaugural ceremony took place at the Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station in Bengaluru, where PM Modi personally launched the Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express and virtually inaugurated two other services — the Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and the Nagpur–Pune routes.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), the Prime Minister wrote:
“Delighted to flag off the following Vande Bharat trains during the programme in Bengaluru: Bengaluru to Belagavi, Amritsar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Nagpur to Pune. These trains will boost tourism, commerce, and connectivity.”
A Festive Launch in Bengaluru
In Bengaluru, PM Modi boarded the newly inaugurated Vande Bharat train to Belagavi and interacted with students and children on board. The station premises buzzed with excitement as schoolchildren waved the Tricolour and displayed hand-made posters and drawings.
Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, Karnataka Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra were among the dignitaries present at the ceremony.
As the sleek white-and-blue train pulled out, PM Modi and other leaders waved to passengers while the crowd chanted slogans in support of the Prime Minister.
The Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat service will operate six days a week, benefitting commuters from eight districts across Karnataka. This is the state’s 11th Vande Bharat train, underscoring the growing network of semi-high-speed rail services connecting key regions.
Strengthening Pilgrimage Connectivity
The second train flagged off — the Amritsar–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Vande Bharat Express — was celebrated as a major milestone for religious tourism in Jammu and Kashmir. Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, called it a “historical moment” for the Union Territory and credited PM Modi for making the journey to the revered Mata Vaishno Devi shrine easier for devotees.
Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for the initiative.
“The new Vande Bharat Train will ensure ease of travel for devotees and spur the growth momentum of the local economy,” he said. L-G Sinha also noted that railway infrastructure in the Union Territory has seen “unprecedented growth under the leadership of the Prime Minister.”
The Katra–Amritsar service will run six days a week, except Tuesdays. It will depart Katra at 6:40 a.m. and arrive in Amritsar at 12:20 p.m., with the return journey starting at 4:25 p.m. and ending in Katra at 10:00 p.m.
Boosting Jammu & Kashmir’s Transport Infrastructure
The Vande Bharat launch came a day after another landmark achievement — the arrival of the first freight train in Anantnag from Punjab, carrying cement for infrastructure projects. According to L-G Sinha, this development will not only lower transportation costs but also enable round-the-clock carriage of goods, giving a significant push to local trade and infrastructure development.
Currently, Vande Bharat trains operate between Katra and Baramulla, and plans are in place to extend the service to Jammu railway station before the end of the year, making travel in the region more convenient and efficient.
Nagpur–Pune: A Boost for Maharashtra
The third train, the Nagpur–Pune Vande Bharat Express, is set to strengthen intra-state connectivity in Maharashtra, reducing travel time and supporting both business and tourism between the two major cities.
Vande Bharat: A Symbol of Modern India
Launched in 2019, the Vande Bharat Express series represents India’s push toward modern, semi-high-speed rail travel with world-class facilities. The addition of these three routes reflects the government’s commitment to expanding this network, improving passenger comfort, and enhancing regional connectivity.
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By providing faster travel, improved seating, and better amenities, the trains aim to cater to business travelers, tourists, and pilgrims alike. With each new route, the Vande Bharat network is shaping itself into a key driver for economic growth, tourism promotion, and regional integration.
