Indian Railways has launched new Vande Bharat Express trains in Uttar Pradesh, enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism. These semi-high-speed trains, equipped with modern amenities, aim to reduce travel time and offer a premium travel experience. Key routes include Meerut City-Lucknow and Varanasi-Deoghar, with advanced safety features like Kavach technology.
New Vande Bharat Trains Transform UP’s Rail Network
Indian Railways continues its ambitious expansion of the Vande Bharat Express network, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as a key beneficiary in 2024 and 2025. These semi-high-speed trains, known for their advanced technology and passenger-centric design, are revolutionizing rail travel in the state by connecting major cities and pilgrimage sites, boosting both tourism and economic activity.
On August 31, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express, a significant addition to UP’s rail infrastructure. This train, operating as Train No. 22490, departs Meerut City at 6:35 AM and reaches Lucknow’s Charbagh railway station by 1:45 PM, covering 404 km in approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes. The return journey (Train No. 22489) starts from Lucknow at 2:45 PM and arrives in Meerut City by 10:00 PM, with stops at Moradabad and Bareilly. This service, running six days a week except Tuesdays, is expected to benefit commuters, hybrid workers, and industries in the Meerut region by providing swift connectivity to the state capital. Ticket prices range from ₹1,105 for the Chair Car to ₹2,110 for the Executive Chair Car, offering a premium travel experience with features like reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi, and Kavach collision avoidance technology.
Another notable addition is the Varanasi-Deoghar Vande Bharat Express, launched on September 15, 2024, to enhance religious tourism. This train connects Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath Temple with Deoghar’s Baidyanath Dham, covering 451 km in about 7 hours. Operating six days a week, it departs Varanasi at 6:00 AM and reaches Deoghar by 1:00 PM, with the return journey starting at 3:00 PM and arriving in Varanasi by 10:00 PM. The route includes stops at Ghazipur City, Ballia, and Jasidih, making it a vital link for pilgrims. The train’s modern amenities, such as automatic plug doors and ergonomic seating, ensure comfort, while its 160 km/h operational speed reduces travel time significantly compared to conventional trains.
The Vande Bharat Express, India’s first indigenously designed semi-high-speed train, has been a cornerstone of the “Make in India” initiative since its debut in February 2019. As of August 2025, Uttar Pradesh hosts several of the 144 operational Vande Bharat services across India, with UP’s network covering key routes like New Delhi-Varanasi, New Delhi-Ayodhya, and now these new additions. The state’s rail connectivity has expanded to over 280 districts nationwide, with UP’s trains playing a pivotal role in connecting economic hubs and spiritual destinations.
The Meerut-Lucknow route is particularly significant for its potential to boost local industries, including Meerut’s sports goods and handloom sectors, by providing faster access to markets in Lucknow. Similarly, the Varanasi-Deoghar route supports the growing religious tourism sector, with an 80% surge in accommodation searches in temple towns like Varanasi reported in late 2024. These trains, equipped with energy-efficient engines and advanced safety systems, are designed to operate at speeds of up to 160 km/h, though their average speed on UP routes ranges between 75-77 km/h due to track constraints.
Indian Railways aims to replace older Shatabdi and Rajdhani services with Vande Bharat trains by 2047, with a target of 4,500 trains nationwide. In UP, this vision is taking shape with plans for additional routes and the introduction of sleeper Vande Bharat trains for longer journeys. A prototype sleeper train, rolled out by BEML in September 2024, is undergoing trials and expected to enter service by December 2025, potentially connecting UP cities like Lucknow and Varanasi with overnight destinations.
The expansion of Vande Bharat services in UP reflects Indian Railways’ commitment to modernizing infrastructure while addressing passenger demand for speed, safety, and comfort. With features like CCTV, bio-vacuum toilets, and Divyangjan-friendly facilities, these trains are setting new standards for rail travel in the state, aligning with the broader goal of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).
Disclaimer: This article is based on information sourced from Indian Railways announcements, press releases from the Press Information Bureau, and reports from credible news outlets like The Hindu, Economic Times, and Times of India. All data, including routes, timings, and ticket prices, are accurate as of August 2025 but subject to change based on official updates.