Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off the inaugural special of south India's first Vande Bharat Express at Krantiveera Sangolli Railway station here.

The train connects Mysuru and Chennai via Bangalore.

The Prime Minister also flagged off the 'Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan' train, which is operated by Karnataka's Muzrai Department, under the 'Bharat Gaurav' train policy of Railways.

"It will fulfill the dream of numerous travellers intending to undertake Kashi Yatra," according to the South Western Railway.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flags off the Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshana Train, at KSR railway station in Bengaluru, Friday, November 11, 2022 PTI image

The train offers a eight-day tour package at discounted rates for pilgrims.

Official sources said the Government of Karnataka gives cash assistance of Rs 5,000 to the Kashi Vishwanath Yatra pilgrims.

This train covers holy places including Varanasi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj.