India, Nov. 8 -- Punjab's Malwa region got its first Vande Bharat Express on Saturday with Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launching the fastest train on the Ferozepur-New Delhi route that completes its journey in six hours and 40 minutes.

Union minister of state for railways Ravneet Singh Bittu said the new train, 26461/26462, departs from Ferozepur at 7.35am and reaches New Delhi at 2.35pm. The return journey will start from New Delhi at 4pm and end at Ferozepur at 10.35pm. The train will halt at Faridkot, Bathinda, Dhuri, Patiala, Ambala Cantt, Panipat and New Delhi in both directions.

Besides enhancing connectivity between Delhi and major cities of Punjab, the new service will boost trade, tourism, employment and contribute t...