On a Saturday that could reshape parts of India’s rail map, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will take the helm—both on the ground and virtually—to launch three brand-new Vande Bharat Express services on August 10. Rail enthusiasts, regular commuters, and regional businesses will all be watching closely.
A Tale of Three Routes
- Bengaluru ↔ Belagavi
PM Modi will physically flag off this train at Bengaluru station. This train will run six days a week. Regulars on that stretch will probably welcome it — fewer bus rides, less waiting. The train’s stops include Tumakuru, Davanagere, Hubballi and Dharwad — all very different from each other, whether in how fast they move or what draws people there. - Ajni (Nagpur) ↔ Pune
This will be Maharashtra’s 12th Vande Bharat service, connecting the “Orange City” with the “Cultural Capital.” Covering 881 km across multiple underserved stretches, it’s set to be the longest Vande Bharat route so far. While the inauguration will be virtual, regular services are expected to begin on August 14. - Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra ↔ Amritsar
Offering faster, more direct travel between one of India’s most visited shrines and a major Punjab city, this train will be launched via video link. Running all but one day a week, it will halt at Jammu, Pathankot, and Jalandhar.
Why This Day Matters
The Vande Bharat network has been growing at a pace rarely seen in Indian Railways. What’s rolling out isn’t just more trains on the schedule — it’s an effort to cut travel times, make the ride more comfortable, and link regions that haven’t had this kind of speed before.
A Quick Look Inside
Step onto a Vande Bharat and you notice the differences straight away — seats that feel more like an airline than a train, big windows for watching the countryside rush by, and safety features built into the design. On these new routes, passengers can expect shorter trips and a ride that’s easier on the body.
The Big Picture
On August 10, Modi will wave the green flag in Bengaluru, while simultaneously launching the Nagpur-Pune and Katra-Amritsar lines online. It’s set to be one of the most ambitious multi-location inaugurations Indian Railways has ever pulled off.
