“Uttar Pradesh strengthens its rail network with the launch of new Vande Bharat Express trains, enhancing connectivity to key cities. Flagged off by PM Narendra Modi, these semi-high-speed trains promise faster travel, modern amenities, and a boost to religious tourism, connecting Meerut to Lucknow and other routes with cutting-edge safety features like Kavach.”
UP’s Vande Bharat Expansion Enhances Rail Connectivity
In a significant push to modernize rail travel in Uttar Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently flagged off new Vande Bharat Express trains, bolstering connectivity across the state. Among the key routes introduced is the Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express, which covers 486 km in approximately 7 hours and 10 minutes, with stops at Moradabad and Bareilly. The train, operating as Train No. 22490, departs Meerut City at 6:35 AM, arriving at Lucknow’s Charbagh railway station by 1:45 PM. The return journey, Train No. 22489, leaves Charbagh at 2:45 PM, reaching Meerut City by 10:00 PM. This service runs six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, offering a faster alternative to existing trains, reducing travel time by nearly an hour.
The Vande Bharat Express, India’s indigenous semi-high-speed train, is equipped with advanced features, including reclining ergonomic seats, automatic plug doors, onboard Wi-Fi, and the Kavach collision avoidance system for enhanced safety. These trains, designed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, operate at speeds up to 160 km/h, with an average speed of around 75-77 km/h, ensuring a swift and comfortable journey. The Meerut-Lucknow route is tailored to support the region’s industries and religious tourism, providing quicker access to pilgrimage sites like the Digambar Jain Temple, Mansa Devi Mandir, and Augharnath Temple.
Additionally, other new Vande Bharat routes in Uttar Pradesh include services like Agra-Varanasi and Varanasi-Deoghar, launched to cater to the growing demand for faster rail connectivity. As of August 2025, Indian Railways operates over 140 Vande Bharat trains nationwide, with Uttar Pradesh emerging as a key hub due to its strategic location and high passenger demand. The state now benefits from multiple services terminating in Delhi, with extensions like the Ayodhya-Anand Vihar Terminal route, covering 628 km in 8 hours and 20 minutes, further strengthening UP’s rail network.
These trains are not just about speed but also about passenger comfort. Features like 360-degree rotating chairs, Divyangjan-friendly toilets, and integrated Braille signages make them inclusive and modern. The Meerut-Lucknow service, for instance, is expected to boost local economies by facilitating faster commutes for professionals and traders, particularly in Meerut’s industrial belt. The trains also align with the government’s vision to replace premium services like Shatabdi and Rajdhani with Vande Bharat trains, with a target of 4,500 such trains by 2047.
The launch of these trains comes amidst ongoing infrastructure upgrades in Uttar Pradesh, including track electrification and station redevelopment under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The state’s rail network is being transformed to handle higher passenger volumes and support economic growth. With fares ranging from ₹1,105 for AC Chair Car to ₹2,110 for Executive Chair Car on some routes, the Vande Bharat trains aim to balance affordability with premium travel.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports, official statements from the Indian Railways, and reliable sources like The Hindu, Hindustan Times, and Economic Times. Information is accurate as of August 5, 2025, and subject to change based on official updates.