Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid out a transformative vision for the future of rail travel in India, asserting that next-generation trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for a modern and aspirational Indian Railways. The Prime Minister was addressing a gathering after flagging off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from the holy city of Varanasi.
In a significant boost to regional connectivity, Mr. Modi flagged off the Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat train from the Varanasi Railway Station, while simultaneously inaugurating three other trains via video conferencing. These new services are set to enhance connectivity across major regions of the country, operating on the Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru routes.
Highlighting the profound impact of sustained reforms in the railways, the Prime Minister remarked, "Now even foreign tourists are amazed to see the Vande Bharat trains." He proudly noted that with the addition of these four, more than 160 Vande Bharat Express trains are now operational across the country, a milestone for which he congratulated the nation.
Mr. Modi intricately linked infrastructure development with regional progress, stating, "A city begins to develop on its own when it gets better connectivity." He emphasized that robust infrastructure is a cornerstone of economic growth in developed nations and affirmed that India is now moving swiftly on the same path.
The event was attended by Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, underscoring the collaborative effort behind these infrastructural advancements. In a heartwarming moment, the Prime Minister later interacted with children onboard the newly flagged-off Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat Express.
A Closer Look at the New Connectivity Corridors
The newly inaugurated trains are poised to significantly reduce travel time, promote tourism, and stimulate economic activity:
Banaras-Khajuraho Vande Bharat: This service establishes direct connectivity between some of India's most revered religious and cultural hubs, including Varanasi, Prayagraj, Chitrakoot, and Khajuraho. It will save passengers approximately 2 hours and 40 minutes compared to existing trains.
Lucknow-Saharanpur Vande Bharat: Reducing travel time by nearly an hour, this train will complete the journey in about 7 hours 45 minutes. It will benefit passengers from multiple cities in Uttar Pradesh and improve access to the holy city of Haridwar via Roorkee.
Firozpur-Delhi Vande Bharat: Now the fastest train on this route, it will complete the journey in just 6 hours 40 minutes, strengthening connectivity between the national capital and key cities in Punjab like Bathinda and Patiala.
Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat: In a boon for Southern India, this train will slash travel time by over two hours, completing the journey in 8 hours 40 minutes. It is expected to be a popular choice for professionals, students, and tourists traveling between these major IT and commercial hubs.
Prime Minister Modi, who reached his parliamentary constituency of Varanasi last evening, was given a grand welcome by the city's residents and party workers, setting the stage for a landmark announcement that continues to redefine India's rail infrastructure
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