The new Vande Bharat Express connecting Varanasi and Khajuraho began its inaugural run today, marking another milestone in India’s expanding semi-high-speed rail network. Operated and maintained by the Northern Railway zone, the train aims to enhance connectivity between Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh while offering passengers a faster and more comfortable travel option.
For its inaugural journey, the service is running as ‘unreserved’. Covering 443 kilometres in just 7 hours and 40 minutes, it will be the fastest train on the route.
The train halts at six stations: Varanasi, Vindhyachal, Prayagraj Chheoki, Chitrakutdham, Banda, and Mahoba, before reaching its destination at Khajuraho.
Starting regular operations soon, the train will run six days a week, except on Thursdays. It will comprise eight coaches, including seven air-conditioned chair cars and one executive class coach. The scheduled daily service will depart Varanasi at 5:25 a.m., arriving in Khajuraho at 1:10 p.m., while the return journey will leave Khajuraho at 3:20 p.m. and reach Varanasi at 11:00 p.m.
The new route is expected to significantly boost tourism and economic ties between the two cultural and heritage-rich destinations.
