In an extraordinary display of progress and innovation, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi unveiled a fleet of 9 Vande Bharat Express trains via a groundbreaking video conference ceremony. These Vande Bharat trains, designed to redefine the nation’s connectivity landscape and enhance the travel experience for passengers, are a testament to the Prime Minister’s unwavering commitment to modernizing India’s railway infrastructure. Let’s delve into this monumental event and explore the significant impact these trains will have on India’s future.
The New 9 Vande Bharat Express Train Routes
The following routes witnessed the grand inauguration of Vande Bharat Express trains:
1. Udaipur – Jaipur Vande Bharat Express
2. Tirunelveli-Madurai-Chennai Vande Bharat Express
3. Hyderabad – Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
4. Vijayawada – Chennai (via Renigunta) Vande Bharat Express
5. Patna – Howrah Vande Bharat Express
6. Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express
7. Rourkela – Bhubaneswar – Puri Vande Bharat Express
8. Ranchi – Howrah Vande Bharat Express
9. Jamnagar-Ahmedabad Vande Bharat Express
A Vision Realized: Prime Minister Modi’s Perspective
Speaking on this momentous occasion, Prime Minister Modi hailed the inauguration of these nine Vande Bharat Trains as an unprecedented leap towards modern connectivity across the nation. He emphasized that the speed and scale of this infrastructure development align perfectly with the aspirations of India’s 1.4 billion citizens.
Prime Minister Modi proudly noted that these Vande Bharat Trains represent the embodiment of a new India, characterized by modernity and comfort. He expressed his delight at the growing popularity of these trains, with more than one crore eleven lakh passengers having already experienced the Vande Bharat journey.
Currently, 25 Vande Bharat trains are serving passengers in various states and union territories, and today’s addition of nine more marks a significant step towards connecting every corner of the country. The Prime Minister also highlighted the utility of Vande Bharat for travellers seeking efficient same-day journeys, leading to a boost in tourism and economic activities in the regions these trains serve.
India’s Achievements and Future Endeavors
Prime Minister Modi underscored the prevailing atmosphere of hope and confidence in India, citing achievements such as Chandrayaan 3, Aditya L1, and India’s success in the G20. He also lauded the Narishakti Vandan Act as a pivotal moment for women-led development and commended the increasing number of railway stations run by women functionaries.
Additionally, Prime Minister Modi shed light on India’s simultaneous focus on present and future needs, referencing the PM Gatishakti Masterplan for seamless infrastructure development coordination and the New Logistics policy aimed at reducing transportation and export-related costs. He stressed the importance of multimodal connectivity, highlighting the need for different modes of transport to support each other.
Transforming Indian Railways
Recognizing the paramount importance of railways in the lives of everyday citizens, the Prime Minister lamented the historical neglect of this vital sector. He provided insight into the government’s efforts to transform Indian Railways, with the current year’s railway budget being eight times that of 2014. The Prime Minister detailed ongoing work in doubling, electrification and establishing new routes.
Modernizing Railway Stations
Prime Minister Modi emphasized the need to modernize railway stations, marking a significant shift in India’s approach. A campaign for the development and modernization of railway stations has been initiated for the first time, resulting in the construction of a record number of foot-over bridges, lifts, and escalators across the country. Stations built during this period will be known as Amrit Bharat Stations, symbolizing the new India’s identity.
Celebrating Establishment Day of Railway Stations
The Prime Minister expressed his joy at the Railways’ initiative to celebrate the establishment day of railway stations. He cited the celebrations at Coimbatore, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and Mumbai as examples. Coimbatore Railway station, in particular, marked a significant milestone by completing 150 years. This tradition of celebrating railway stations will continue to expand and engage more people.
Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat
Prime Minister Modi reiterated the vision of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat as a means to achieve a developed India by 2047. He emphasized the necessity of equitable development across all states, acknowledging that concentrating railway development in one state, as had been done previously, had hindered the nation’s progress. The Prime Minister called for unity and progress for all, encapsulated in the mantra of “Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas.”
New Experience
Addressing the dedicated Railway employees, the Prime Minister urged them to create memorable journeys for passengers, emphasizing the importance of providing a seamless and pleasant travel experience.
The Prime Minister commended the significant improvement in railway cleanliness standards and encouraged everyone to participate in the proposed Swachhta Abhiyan on 1st October in honour of Mahatma Gandhi. He also encouraged support for Khadi and Swadeshi products, along with being vocal for locals from 2nd October to 31st October, Sardar Patel’s Jayanti.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi expressed confidence that the transformations occurring in Indian Railways and society as a whole will pave the way for a developed India. This momentous event, attended by Governors, Chief Ministers, Ministers, Members of Parliament, and Union Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, marks a significant stride towards improved connectivity across eleven states: Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gujarat.
The introduction of these Vande Bharat trains heralds a new era of rail service in India, characterized by world-class amenities, advanced safety features, and unprecedented speed. Passengers can look forward to saving significant travel time, as these trains are set to revolutionize railway transportation in the country.
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