New Delhi: The Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce four new Vande Bharat Express trains, further expanding the country’s semi-high-speed rail network and enhancing passenger comfort and connectivity. With these additions, the total number of Vande Bharat services will reach 164 across India.

The newly approved services will connect Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Delhi, further strengthening inter-state rail infrastructure.

New Routes, Timings, and Stoppages Announced

Bengaluru (KSR) – Ernakulam: Strengthening rail links between Karnataka and Kerala.

The KSR Bengaluru–Ernakulam Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26651/26652) will operate six days a week, except Wednesdays. The train will depart from KSR Bengaluru at 5:10 a.m. and reach Ernakulam at 1:50 p.m., while the return service will leave Ernakulam at 2:20 p.m. and arrive back in Bengaluru at 11:00 p.m.

En route, the train will halt at Krishnarajapuram, Salem, Erode, Tiruppur, Coimbatore, Palakkad, and Thrissur. The primary maintenance of the train will be undertaken at Bengaluru (SBC).

Firozpur Cantt – Delhi: Connecting Punjab to the national capital.

The Firozpur Cantt–Delhi Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26462/26461) will operate six days a week, except Wednesdays. The train will depart from Firozpur Cantt at 7:55 a.m. and reach Delhi at 2:35 p.m., while the return journey from Delhi will commence at 4:00 p.m., arriving at Firozpur Cantt at 10:35 p.m.

En route, the train will make commercial halts at Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantt, Kurukshetra, and Panipat. The primary maintenance of the train will be carried out at Firozpur Cantt.

Varanasi – Khajuraho: Improving connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh.

The Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26422/26421) will operate six days a week, except Thursdays. The train will depart from Varanasi at 5:25 a.m. and reach Khajuraho at 1:10 p.m., while the return service will leave Khajuraho at 3:20 p.m., arriving back in Varanasi at 11:00 p.m.

En route, the train will halt at Vindhyachal, Prayagraj Chheoki, Chitrakutdham, Banda, and Mahoba. The primary maintenance of the train will be undertaken at Varanasi.

Lucknow – Saharanpur: Enhancing rail access within Uttar Pradesh and its northwestern region.

The Lucknow Junction–Saharanpur Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 26504/26503) will operate six days a week, except Mondays. The train will depart from Lucknow Junction at 5:00 a.m. and reach Saharanpur at 12:45 p.m., while the return service will leave Saharanpur at 3:00 p.m. and arrive back at Lucknow Junction at 11:00 p.m.

En route, the train will halt at Sitapur, Shahjahanpur, Bareilly, Moradabad, Najibabad, and Roorkee. The primary maintenance of the train will be carried out at Lucknow Junction, with Moradabad designated as the watering station.

Record Passenger Demand

According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Vande Bharat trains have consistently maintained over 100% occupancy across routes. In FY 2024–25, the average occupancy stood at 102.01%, while in the current fiscal year (FY 2025–26, up to June 2025), it has increased to 105.03%, reflecting strong passenger demand and operational success. DeshGujarat