After Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s virtual flag-off of six new Vande Bharat trains, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi boarded the Brahmapur-Tatanagar Vande Bharat Express , where he interacted with the students. The CM also underlined the train’s significance in improving regional tourism and economic activities. Majhi mentioned,” The PM launched three Vande Bharat trains for Odisha, today. I proposed the Brahmapur-Tatanagar route, and I am assertive that it will boost economic and tourism opportunities in the region.” Around 150 students from the East Coast Railway Mixed Higher Secondary School in Khurda enjoyed a complimentary ride to Khurda Junction.
New route aims to boost regional connectivity & Economy
The new trains that are flagged off including the Brahmapur-Tatanagar route are all set to enhance the connectivity in key areas like Gaya-Howrah, Tatanagar-Patna, Bhagalpur-Dumka-Howrah, and others. These routes will also provide convenient options for quicker travel to pilgrimage destinations like Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi and Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand. It will also help in nurturing religious tourism in these areas. Moreover, economic growth will also be in the steel, jute, and coal industries which are situated in Durgapur, Dhanbad, and Kolkata. These industries’ operations will benefit because of improved rail connectivity.
Meanwhile, PM Modi has also revealed railway projects worth more than Rs 660 crores, strengthening India’s commitment to transform its rail infrastructure under the ‘Make in India’ scheme.
Students’ response to the Vande Bharat experience
The students hailed the modern amenities on the train and were excited by their first Vande Bharat ride. Priyanka Sahoo a student in class 10, expressed her excitement, saying,” It’s my first ride on a Vande Bharat train and I am excited with the quality of the food service, cleanliness, and security.” Another student also shared the same reaction, especially praising the overall comfort during the journey and the cleanliness.
(With inputs from ANI)