Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated three new Vande Bharat Express trains on Saturday (August 31) via video conferencing. These semi-high speed trains will serve key routes across Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The three new trains are Meerut – Lucknow Vande Bharat Express train, Madurai – Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express train and Chennai – Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express train. The three new routes will enhance connectivity and efficiency across several key regions.
During the event to flag off three Vande Bharat trains, PM Modi highlighted the government’s increased budgetary allocation to Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, which has bolstered rail transport in the southern states. He also emphasised that the rapid development of the southern states is crucial to achieving the goal of a Viksit Bharat by 2047.
PM Modi asserted that there are currently 102 Vande Bharat trains operating across the nation, with over 300 crore passengers having travelled on these trains, showcasing the remarkable success of the Vande Bharat initiative. PM Modi also unveiled plans to introduce a sleeper version of the Vande Bharat trains and launch the Vande Metro. Additionally he mentioned that more than 1,300 railway stations are undergoing renovation.
These launches marks a significant advancement in India’s railway network and aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat.’
Three new Vande Bharat Express trains to hit tracks
The Meerut City to Lucknow Vande Bharat Express will reduce travel time by approximately one hour compared to the current fastest train on this route.
The Chennai Egmore to Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express is set to cut journey times by over two hours, while the Madurai to Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will save around one hour and thirty minutes on the route.
These new additions are designed to offer passengers a world-class travel experience with advanced amenities, speed, and comfort. “The introduction of these Vande Bharat Express trains will herald a new standard of rail service to meet the needs of regular travellers, professionals, business and student community in immense measure,” the Prime Minister’s office said in a statement.