Improving connectivity between pilgrim centres and helping local economies are at the centre of the government`s push for Vande Bharat Express trains, sources said on Friday.

With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to flag off the semi high-speed modern train between Secunderabad and Tirupati on Saturday, four of the 13 operational Vande Bharat Express routes will connect some of India`s most revered pilgrimage sites, the government sources said.