Indian Railways is gearing up to introduce a new Vande Bharat Express train for Uttar Pradesh, marking the allocation of three semi-high-speed trains to the state. This state-of-the-art train will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Varanasi Railway Station on Monday (December 18) and will begin its maiden run from Varanasi Railway Station.

The saffron train, which runs between Varanasi and New Delhi, will be the second next-generation addition to the route, after the introduction of train number 22435/22436 New Delhi-Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express in 2019.

It consists of eight coaches with AC Chair Car and Executive AC Chair Car seating arrangements. The train will run six days a week and will stop at major stations along the way.

The inaugural race will feature railway enthusiasts, including students from schools in Varanasi city, selected through competitions such as essays, debates, art and quizzes.

PM Modi will launch several railway projects in Varanasi.

Additionally, Prime Minister Modi will also launch several railway projects from Varanasi railway station, including the MEMU Dohrighat-Mau train and some long-distance freight trains on the recently inaugurated Dedicated Freight Corridor (DFC). The event will also see the flag-off of the 10,000th locomotive produced by Banaras Locomotive Works (BLW).