TTT NEWS NETWORK
NEW DELHI, 31 AUGUST 2024 :
Prime Minister, Narendra Modi flagged off three Vande Bharat trains via video conferencing today. Realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express will improve connectivity on three routes: Meerut—Lucknow, Madurai—Bengaluru, and Chennai—Nagercoil. These trains will boost connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The Prime Minister said that a new chapter is being written in the development journey of India from the North to the South as Madurai—Bengaluru, Chennai—Nagercoil and Meerut—Lucknow Vande Bharat trains are being flagged off today.
“Temple City Madurai is now connected with IT City Bengaluru”, PM Modi said that this would not only ease connectivity, especially during the weekends or festive period but also be very beneficial for pilgrims. The Chennai—Nagercoil route would hugely benefit students, farmers and IT professionals. The PM noted the growth of tourism in places connected to Vande Bharat trains and said that it signifies the growth of businesses and employment opportunities in the region.
The Prime Minister underlined that the rapid development of Southern states is imperative to accomplish the goal of Viksit Bharat. He said that the development journey of railways is an example of the government’s commitment. He informed that more than Rs 6000 crore has been allocated for Tamil Nadu’s rail budget this year, 7 times more than in 2014. He further added that the total number of Vande Bharat trains in Tamil Nadu would go up to 8 after today. Similarly, a budget of more than Rs 7000 crore has been allocated for Karnataka in this year’s Budget which is 9 times more than in 2014. 8 Vande Bharat Trains are connecting Karnataka today, he added.
He stated that railway tracks are being improved, electrification of railway tracks is taking place, and railway stations are being modernized. He further added that it has increased Ease of Living of the people and also made way for Ease of doing business.
Highlighting the introduction of the new Vande Bharat train on the Meerut-Lucknow route, Mr. Modi congratulated the people of western Uttar Pradesh for the same. He added that the region of Meerut and western Uttar Pradesh, the land of revolution, was today witnessing a new revolution of development. The Prime Minister underlined that while RRTS has helped connect Meerut with the national capital New Delhi, now the distance to the state capital Lucknow has also been reduced with the introduction of Vande Bharat. “National Capital Region (NCR) is becoming an example of how PM Gatishakti’s vision will change the country’s infrastructure with modern trains, network of expressways, and expansion of air services”, exclaimed Shri Modi.
“Vande Bharat is the new face of modernization of Indian Railways”, PM Modi remarked. He highlighted the demand for Vande Bharat in every city and every route and said that the advent of high-speed trains has instilled confidence in the people to expand their business and employment and also their dreams. He informed, “Today, 102 Vande Bharat rail services are being operated across the country and more than 3 crore people have traveled in these trains so far”. He emphasized that these numbers are not only proof of the success of Vande Bharat trains but also a symbol of the aspirations and dreams of India.
The Prime Minister underlined that modern rail infrastructure is a strong pillar of the vision of Viksit Bharat. Outlining the rapid progress in the sector, the Prime Minister mentioned doubling and electrification of rail lines, running of new trains and construction of new routes. He informed that more than Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been allocated to the railways in this year’s budget and the government is connecting Indian Railways with high-tech services to transform its old image. Speaking about expansion plans, the Prime Minister said that Amrit Bharat trains are also being expanded along with Vande Bharat. He further added that the sleeper version of Vande Bharat is to be flagged off very soon. He also spoke about Namo Bharat trains being run for the convenience of people and Vande Metro will soon be started to tackle the traffic problems within cities.
The Prime Minister remarked that Indian cities have always been identified by their railway stations. He added that with the Amrit Bharat Station Yojana, there is improvement of the railway stations, while giving a new identity to the cities. The PM said, “More than 1300 railway stations in the country are being renovated with some being built like airports”. Further, he added that even the smallest stations are being developed with state-of-the-art facilities, which would result in increasing the Ease of Travel.
Background :
The Meerut City – Lucknow Vande Bharat will help passengers save around 1 hour in comparison to the current fastest train between the two cities. Likewise, the Chennai Egmore – Nagercoil Vande Bharat and Madurai – Bengaluru Vande Bharat trains will cover the journey saving more than 2 hours and around 1 hour 30 mins respectively.
These new Vande Bharat trains shall provide the people of the region with the world-class means to travel with speed and comfort and will cater to three states – Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka.
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