Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Varanasi-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express from Varanasi on November 8. Launched with the aim of promoting religious and cultural tourism, this high-speed train connects Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.
UP News: The Vande Bharat Express service from Varanasi to Khajuraho commenced this November. From the perspective of religious tourism, this train is considered a significant convenience and gift for passengers. However, in its initial days, the number of passengers has been relatively low. On the first day, out of its 530-passenger capacity, only 126 travelers arrived to journey from Varanasi to Khajuraho. Railway officials state that as people become aware of this new facility, the number of passengers is likely to increase.
A New Gift Connecting Religious Tourism
Both Varanasi and Khajuraho are symbols of India's religious and cultural heritage. Varanasi is known for the Kashi Vishwanath Temple and its Ganga Ghats, while Khajuraho is world-renowned for its ancient temples and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The Ministry of Railways decided to operate the Vande Bharat Express train on this route with the objective that tourists can now enjoy fast, comfortable, and safe travel between these two historical sites.
The route of this train starts from Varanasi and passes through Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, Satna, reaching Khajuraho. It will run 6 days a week, which is expected to give new momentum to religious tourism and regional economic activities.
Lower-than-Expected Passenger Count on First Day
According to an ABP Live report, the number of passengers on the first day of the train's launch was much lower than expected. The Vande Bharat Express, which departed from Varanasi to Khajuraho, has a capacity of 530 passengers, but only 126 people arrived for the journey. Railway officials stated that a low passenger count in the initial days is normal for new trains. As people become aware of the new service, bookings are likely to increase.
According to a senior railway official, this train is primarily for religious tourism and weekend travel. We expect the number of passengers to multiply in the coming weeks.
Prime Minister Modi Flagged Off the Train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Varanasi on November 7 for a two-day visit. The next day, on the morning of November 8, he simultaneously flagged off four Vande Bharat Express trains from Banaras Railway Station. The Varanasi-Khajuraho route train was among them. PM Modi had stated that Vande Bharat trains are “a symbol of New India's speed and self-reliance.” He added that the government is promoting modern railway infrastructure across the country to provide world-class facilities to passengers.
