Indian Railways has launched new Vande Bharat Express trains in Uttar Pradesh, enhancing connectivity and reducing travel times. These semi-high-speed trains, flagged off by PM Narendra Modi, connect key cities like Meerut, Lucknow, and Varanasi, promoting tourism and economic growth. Equipped with modern amenities, they aim to transform rail travel with faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys.
Uttar Pradesh Welcomes New Vande Bharat Express Trains
Indian Railways has significantly expanded its Vande Bharat Express network in Uttar Pradesh, introducing new semi-high-speed trains to enhance connectivity across the state. On August 31, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three new Vande Bharat trains, including the Meerut City-Lucknow service, as part of a broader initiative to modernize rail travel and boost regional connectivity. These trains, known for their advanced technology and passenger-centric features, are set to transform travel experiences in Uttar Pradesh by offering faster, safer, and more comfortable journeys.
The Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express (Train No. 22490/22489) covers a distance of approximately 460 km in about 7 hours and 10 minutes, with stops at Moradabad and Bareilly. Departing Meerut City at 6:35 AM, it reaches Lucknow’s Charbagh station by 1:45 PM. The return journey starts at 2:45 PM from Charbagh, arriving in Meerut City by 10:00 PM. Operating six days a week (except Tuesdays), this service caters to business travelers, commuters, and tourists, particularly those visiting religious and cultural sites in Lucknow.
Another significant addition is the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express, launched on September 15, 2024, as part of a batch of 10 new trains. This route connects the spiritual hub of Varanasi with Deoghar’s Baidyanath Dham, a major pilgrimage site. Covering 571 km in approximately 7 hours and 50 minutes, the train stops at Muri, Bokaro, Koderma, Gaya, Sasaram, and Pt. DD Upadhyaya, facilitating religious tourism. It departs Ranchi at 5:10 AM, reaching Varanasi by 1:00 PM, with the return journey starting at 4:05 PM and arriving in Ranchi by 11:55 PM, operating six days a week except Thursdays.
These trains are part of the 136 Vande Bharat Express services operational across India as of December 2024, with Uttar Pradesh playing a pivotal role in this expansion. The state now hosts multiple Vande Bharat routes, including the existing Delhi-Varanasi and Ayodhya-Anand Vihar services, which have seen high demand due to their speed and comfort. The trains operate at a maximum speed of 160 km/h, with an average speed of 75-77 km/h, significantly reducing travel times compared to conventional trains. For instance, the Meerut-Lucknow route cuts travel time by approximately 60 minutes compared to older services.
Equipped with cutting-edge features, these trains offer reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information systems, and the Kavach collision avoidance system for enhanced safety. Additional amenities include automatic plug doors, CCTV surveillance, and Divyangjan-friendly facilities like wheelchair securing points and Braille signage. The trains also feature aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems, ensuring a secure travel environment. Ticket prices vary by route and class, with AC Chair Car fares for the Meerut-Lucknow route starting at approximately ₹1,500 and Executive Chair Car fares ranging between ₹2,200-₹2,500.
The introduction of these trains aligns with the government’s push for religious tourism and economic development. The Varanasi-Deoghar route, for example, supports pilgrims visiting Kashi Vishwanath Temple and Baidyanath Dham, while the Meerut-Lucknow service boosts connectivity to industrial and cultural hubs, benefiting local economies. The Railway Ministry reported a 105.03% occupancy rate for Vande Bharat trains in the financial year 2025-26 (till June 2025), reflecting their popularity among passengers.
Indian Railways aims to further expand the Vande Bharat network, with a target of 4,500 trains by 2047. Plans include introducing sleeper variants for longer routes, with the first prototype rolled out by BEML in September 2024, expected to enter service by December 2024. Uttar Pradesh, with its strategic location and high passenger demand, is likely to see more such services in the coming years, reinforcing its position as a key hub in India’s rail modernization journey.
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from recent news reports, official statements from Indian Railways, and trusted media outlets such as The Hindu, The Economic Times, and Times of India. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details with official railway sources for real-time schedules, fares, and availability.