Mirzapur, November 8 : Devotees visiting the sacred Vindhyachal Dham received a double gift on Saturday as two important trains — the Vande Bharat Express and the Sogariya–Danapur Express — began official halts at Vindhyachal railway station. The move is expected to boost religious tourism and improve connectivity to one of India’s most visited pilgrimage destinations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the new Varanasi–Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express from Varanasi earlier in the day. The high-speed train will now stop at Vindhyavasini Dham (Vindhyachal) station, offering devotees and travelers a faster, more comfortable journey between Varanasi and Khajuraho.
The train made its first scheduled halt at Vindhyachal station at 10:34 AM, where Cabinet Minister Ashish Patel and local MLA Ratnakar Mishra welcomed it. The arrival was marked by enthusiastic celebrations — locals and pilgrims greeted the train with flower garlands and chants of “Jai Vindhyavasini”, filling the station with festive spirit.
In addition to the Vande Bharat stop, the Sogariya–Danapur Express also began its regular halt at Vindhyachal station on the same day. Speaking at the event, Minister Ashish Patel said that under Prime Minister Modi’s leadership, India’s railway network has achieved unprecedented growth and modernization.
He added that the new halts at Vindhyachal Dham would not only enhance religious tourism but also boost the local economy, benefiting pilgrims, traders, and residents alike.
The event was attended by railway officials, local representatives, BJP leaders, and a large number of devotees.