PM Modi flags off 2nd Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express

20 Dec 2023 CW Team

In a significant milestone for India's railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second Vande Bharat Express connecting Varanasi and New Delhi.

The event, held at the newly opened Dedicated Freight Corridor, featured the flagging off of the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, Dohrighat-Mau MEMU train, and a pair of Long Haul goods trains by the Prime Minister. The highlight was the unveiling of the 10,000th locomotive produced by Banaras Locomotive Works.

The Vande Bharat Express, emblematic of the 'Make in India' initiative, is poised to transform travel between Uttar Pradesh and the national capital. Set to commence regular operations on December 20, the train will link Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and New Delhi, providing a fast and contemporary travel option for both pilgrims and professionals.

As a self-propelled semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat Express boasts exceptional design, interiors, and speed, ensuring passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. The journey begins at 6:00 AM from Varanasi, with stops at Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, and finally New Delhi, enhancing connectivity and contributing to cultural, industrial, and economic development in the region. The return journey starts from New Delhi at 3:00 PM, concluding in Varanasi at 11:05 PM.

Simultaneously, the inauguration of the 402 km-long segment of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor from New Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction to New Bhaupur Junction underscores the government's commitment to strengthening the logistics sector. Built at a cost of Rs 109.03 billion, this corridor connects coal fields in Jharkhand and West Bengal to power plants in Northern India.

Operating at speeds of up to 100 km/h, freight trains on this corridor have significantly reduced logistics costs and time, benefiting industries such as coal, iron, and steel. The completion of this segment not only alleviates pressure on the Delhi-Howrah main line but also sets the stage for additional passenger train services and the development of a multimodal logistics park near New Kanpur Junction.

The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor stands as a testament to the government's vision for modernising infrastructure and fostering economic growth. Indian Railways, often considered the engine of India's progress, continues to play a pivotal role in the nation's economic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

In a significant milestone for India's railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the second Vande Bharat Express connecting Varanasi and New Delhi. The event, held at the newly opened Dedicated Freight Corridor, featured the flagging off of the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, Dohrighat-Mau MEMU train, and a pair of Long Haul goods trains by the Prime Minister. The highlight was the unveiling of the 10,000th locomotive produced by Banaras Locomotive Works. The Vande Bharat Express, emblematic of the 'Make in India' initiative, is poised to transform travel between Uttar Pradesh and the national capital. Set to commence regular operations on December 20, the train will link Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and New Delhi, providing a fast and contemporary travel option for both pilgrims and professionals. As a self-propelled semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat Express boasts exceptional design, interiors, and speed, ensuring passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. The journey begins at 6:00 AM from Varanasi, with stops at Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, and finally New Delhi, enhancing connectivity and contributing to cultural, industrial, and economic development in the region. The return journey starts from New Delhi at 3:00 PM, concluding in Varanasi at 11:05 PM. Simultaneously, the inauguration of the 402 km-long segment of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor from New Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction to New Bhaupur Junction underscores the government's commitment to strengthening the logistics sector. Built at a cost of Rs 109.03 billion, this corridor connects coal fields in Jharkhand and West Bengal to power plants in Northern India. Operating at speeds of up to 100 km/h, freight trains on this corridor have significantly reduced logistics costs and time, benefiting industries such as coal, iron, and steel. The completion of this segment not only alleviates pressure on the Delhi-Howrah main line but also sets the stage for additional passenger train services and the development of a multimodal logistics park near New Kanpur Junction. The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor stands as a testament to the government's vision for modernising infrastructure and fostering economic growth. Indian Railways, often considered the engine of India's progress, continues to play a pivotal role in the nation's economic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

Infrastructure Transport

03 Apr 2026

Railways Sets New Records In Passenger And Freight

Indian Railways reported record performance in 2025–26, registering gains in both passenger operations and freight. Passenger carriage rose to 7,410 mn in the year, an increase of 3.54 per cent over 7,160 mn in 2024–25, while passenger revenue increased to Rs 800 bn, up 5.96 per cent from Rs 755 bn. These outcomes reflect improvements in operational efficiency and growing reliance on rail transport for mobility and commerce. Freight loading reached 1,670 mn t in 2025–26, a rise of 3.25 per cent year on year, driven by higher bulk movements and improved logistics. The number of wagons han..

Infrastructure Transport

03 Apr 2026

NHAI Reports Robust National Highway Growth in FY 2025-26

The National Highways Authority of India reported continued progress in national highway development during the financial year 2025-26, completing 5,313 km of national highways, which was about 15 per cent higher than the target of 4,640 km for the year. The agency said the construction output reflected sustained project execution across regions and phases. The achievement follows policy priorities to expand connectivity and reduce travel times. The work included upgrades and new corridors intended to improve safety and reduce congestion on key routes. Capital expenditure by the authority for ..

Infrastructure Urban

03 Apr 2026

India SDG Dashboard Launched by Ministry of Statistics

The Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI) has developed the India Sustainable Development Goals Dashboard in partnership with the United Nations Resident Coordinator Office (UNRCO). The dashboard serves as a centralised data platform for monitoring SDG indicators aligned with the National Indicator Framework (NIF). It provides consolidated access to indicator data to support evidence based planning and monitoring. The platform aims to streamline indicator tracking and support evidence based decision making across levels of government. MoSPI regularly releases a range of s..