Pilgrimage a sacred thread connecting India’s soul, says PM Modi

Flags off four new ‘Vande Bharat’ trains from Varanasi

Varanasi – Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that pilgrimage in India has for centuries been a means of fostering national consciousness, calling it a sacred tradition that binds the spiritual soul of the country. Speaking after flagging off four new Vande Bharat express trains from Varanasi, the Prime Minister said the expansion of modern rail connectivity to historic and religious destinations represents the confluence of culture, faith, and development.

The Vande Bharat trains to be flagged off in a short while will boost connectivity and comfort! https://t.co/vwTHyQow7Z

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 8, 2025

1. “Pilgrimages are not just journeys of Divine vision, but sacred traditions that connect the soul of India,” the Prime Minister said. “Today, as these holy places are being linked through Vande Bharat, we are connecting India’s culture, faith, and progress.” The four new Vande Bharat trains will operate on the following routes: Varanasi–Khajuraho, Ferozepur–Delhi, Ernakulam–Bengaluru, and Lucknow–Saharanpur.

2. Highlighting the role of infrastructure in economic growth, Modi said that developed nations around the world have advanced largely due to robust infrastructure. “As soon as railway lines are built and trains begin running to new regions, development follows,” he added.

3. The Prime Minister said that trains such as Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat represent the future of Indian Railways and mark a significant step in its modernization drive. He noted that the indigenous manufacturing of the Vande Bharat trains has also drawn admiration from international visitors.

4. “Even foreign travelers are amazed to see Vande Bharat. This is a train made by Indians for Indians. Earlier, all this used to happen abroad — now we are doing it here,” Modi said, underscoring India’s growing self-reliance in railway technology.