PM Modi flags off three new Vande Bharat trains to boost connectivity and development
- In Reports
- 04:37 PM, Aug 31, 2024
- Myind Staff
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three new Vande Bharat trains via video conferencing today, marking a significant step towards realising the vision of ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’. These state-of-the-art trains will enhance connectivity on the Meerut-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, and Chennai-Nagercoil routes, offering improved travel options for people in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
During the ceremony, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that the launch of these new Vande Bharat trains represents a new chapter in India's development, connecting the North to the South. He said, "Temple City Madurai is now connected with IT City Bengaluru," emphasising the benefits of enhanced connectivity for pilgrims and daily commuters, particularly during weekends and festive periods. The Chennai-Nagercoil route will provide significant advantages to students, farmers, and IT professionals, while the Meerut-Lucknow route will improve travel in western Uttar Pradesh.
Modi pointed out that the expansion and modernisation of Vande Bharat trains align with the goal of a developed India or 'Viksit Bharat'. He noted that Vande Bharat trains not only link important cities but also connect historic towns, thereby boosting tourism, business growth, and employment opportunities. “Vande Bharat is the new face of modernisation of Indian Railways,” Modi remarked, acknowledging the increasing demand for these trains across various routes in the country.
Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of rapid development in southern states to achieve the Viksit Bharat vision. He stated, "Southern India is the land of immense talent, resources, and opportunities," highlighting the government's focus on the development of Tamil Nadu and the entire southern region. He revealed that more than Rs 6,000 crore has been allocated to Tamil Nadu's rail budget this year, a seven-fold increase from 2014, increasing the total number of Vande Bharat trains in the state to eight. Similarly, Karnataka has received a rail budget of over Rs 7,000 crore, nine times more than in 2014, with eight Vande Bharat trains now connecting the state.
The Prime Minister also emphasised the broader impact of infrastructure development on society, stating, “When connectivity infrastructure like railways, roadways, and waterways is strengthened, the country strengthens.” He added that these developments benefit common citizens, including the poor and the middle class, by enhancing employment opportunities and improving living standards. Modi highlighted that infrastructure expansion is bringing new opportunities to villages, and credited the availability of cheap data and digital infrastructure for creating new possibilities in rural areas. He remarked, “When hospitals, toilets, and pucca houses are built in record numbers, even the poorest of the poor get the benefit of the country’s development. When infrastructure like colleges, universities, and industries grow, it also increases the possibility of the progress of the youth.” Modi further added that 25 crore people have been able to come out of poverty in the last 10 years due to these efforts.
Highlighting the impact on Uttar Pradesh, Modi congratulated the people of western Uttar Pradesh for the new Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat train, which he said marks a new revolution in the region's development. “National Capital Region (NCR) is becoming an example of how PM Gatishakti’s vision will change the country’s infrastructure with modern trains, a network of expressways, and expansion of air services,” he exclaimed.
Modi also outlined the progress of Indian Railways, including the doubling and electrification of rail lines and the modernisation of railway stations. He stated that over Rs 2.5 lakh crore has been allocated to railways in the current budget, with plans to expand Amrit Bharat trains alongside Vande Bharat services. He announced that the sleeper version of Vande Bharat would be introduced soon, and Vande Metro will help address traffic issues within cities.
The Prime Minister concluded by emphasising the role of modern rail infrastructure in enhancing connectivity and supporting India's overall development. He expressed confidence that the infrastructural developments would play a major role in reducing poverty and improving the quality of life for all citizens. “I once again congratulate the people of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and Uttar Pradesh for the three new Vande Bharat trains,” Modi concluded.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, Governors of Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu, Anandi Ben Patel and R. N. Ravi, and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath were virtually present at the event. The newly launched Vande Bharat trains promise to offer world-class travel with speed and comfort, catering to the needs of regular travellers, professionals, businesses, and the student community across the regions they serve.
Image source: Business today
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