Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated 13th Vande Bharat Express train on Chennai-Coimbatore route, which is expected to reduce the travel time between Tamil Nadu capital Chennai and the western industrial city by more than one hour. According to the Southern Railway, the Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express will leave from Coimbatore at 6.00 am and reach Chennai at 11.50 pm. The train will start for the western city from Chennai at 2.25 pm and reach there at 8.15 pm, which will stop at Salem, Erode and Tirupur. The service will be operated everyday except for Wednesday. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, TN Governor R N Ravi, Chief Minister M K Stalin and Union Minister of State L Murugan were present.
He has also inaugurated several infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 11,000 crore in Telangana and Tamil Nadu. Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also introduced the Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express train. He flagged off the country’s 12th semi-high speed train from Secunderabad railway station.
The Prime Minister has also dedicated several railway and other infrastructure-related projects including – laying of foundation stone for redevelopment of Secunderabad railway station, flagging off of Multi-Modal Transport Service (MMTS), dedication of doubling of Secunderabad–Mahabubnagar rail line project, new integrated terminal building of Chennai airport etc.
Secunderabad-Tirupati Vande Bharat Express:-
This is going to be the second Vande Bharat Express for Telangana in a short span of three months. The train will reduce the travel time between the two cities by almost three and half hours and will be particularly beneficial for pilgrims as the train will conclude its journey at Tirupati.
Chennai-Coimbatore Vande Bharat Express:-
This blue and white colour train will operate between Chennai and Coimbatore. The Prime Minister will inaugurate this new-age train from a function at MGR Chennai Central Railway Station. This new ultra modern train will run at an average speed of 80.31 kmph.
Redevelopment of Secunderabad Railway Station:-
During his visit to Telangana, the Prime Minister has laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Secunderabad railway station. The railway station will be modernised at a cost of Rs 720 crores. The station will undergo a massive makeover with world-class amenities and aesthetically designed iconic station building.
MMTS services:-
PM Modi has also flagged-off 13 new MMTS services in the suburban section of Hyderabad-Secunderabad twin city region. The MMTS service will be a cost effective, safe, and comfortable travel facility for the daily commuters, students, office goers, etc.
Secunderabad–Mahabubnagar rail line project:-
The Prime Minister has dedicated the doubling and electrification of Secunderabad–Mahabubnagar rail line project. The 85.24 kms has been completed at a cost of around Rs 1,410 crores. The project will provide seamless connectivity and assist in enhancing the average speed of trains. The project will also aid in the socio-economic development of people in the region.
National Highway projects:-
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of 6-lane access controlled highway of Akkalkot-Kurnool section of NH-150C, widening to 2 lane/4 lane with paved shoulders of Mahabubnagar-Chincholi section of NH-167N, widening to 2-lane with paved shoulders of Kalwakurthy-Kollapur section of NH-167K, etc.
Chennai airport’s new terminal inaugurated:-
The Prime Minister inaugurated the Rs 1,260 crore New Integrated Terminal Building (Phase-1) at the Chennai airport. The move will enhance the passenger traffic to 35 million per year. The new integrated terminal is spread across 2.20 lakh sq metres and would cater to the growing air traffic in Tamil Nadu. The terminal is also a reflection of the government’s commitment towards providing high-quality infrastructure to travellers.