Overview
- Routes announced by the PMO are Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru.
- Banaras–Khajuraho will run as 26422/26421 with published stops at Vindhyachal, Prayagraj Chheoki, Chitrakoot Dham, Banda and Mahoba, departing Banaras at 5:25 am and reaching Khajuraho at 1:10 pm, then returning 3:20 pm–11:00 pm, six days a week.
- The Ernakulam–KSR Bengaluru service will be flagged via videoconference from Varanasi and will be Kerala’s first inter‑state Vande Bharat link, with inaugural events live‑streamed along the route.
- PMO/PIB statements say the new trains will reduce journey times, with Banaras–Khajuraho expected to save about 2 hours 40 minutes compared with existing specials.
- Ahead of the ceremony, UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed station security, cleanliness, traffic and event logistics, as rail and district officials finalized arrangements for the PM’s interactions and address at the venue.