Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three new Vande Bharat trains on Saturday, enhancing connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The Ministry of Railways highlighted the significance of these trains in promoting faster, more comfortable travel, aligning with India's 'Make in India' and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off three new Vande Bharat trains, underscoring India's strides towards becoming a developed nation with a focus on modernity and speed on Saturday. The trains were launched on the Meerut-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, and Chennai-Nagercoil routes.
In his address, PM Modi highlighted the significance of these new trains in enhancing connectivity, particularly to important religious and economic hubs. "The expansion of Vande Bharat trains reflects our nation's progress towards the goal of a developed India with modernity and speed," he said. He noted that the Madurai-Bengaluru train would connect the Temple City of Madurai with the IT hub of Bengaluru, benefiting both pilgrims and professionals alike.
PM Modi also emphasised the broader impact of the Vande Bharat trains on regional development, stating that their introduction has led to increased tourism, boosting local businesses and creating new employment opportunities. "Wherever Vande Bharat trains have reached, the number of tourists has increased, leading to higher incomes for businesses and shopkeepers," he remarked.
"On the Chennai-Nagercoil route, students, farmers, and IT professionals will greatly benefit. Wherever the convenience of Vande Bharat has reached, the number of tourists has increased, which means that there has been a rise in the income of businesses and shopkeepers. New employment opportunities are also being created in our region," he added.
The Prime Minister reiterated the importance of the rapid development of southern states in achieving the goal of a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India). He pointed out that Southern India, rich in talent and resources, is a priority for the government. He cited significant investments in the railway budgets of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, noting that Tamil Nadu’s railway budget has increased more than sevenfold since 2014, while Karnataka’s has grown ninefold.
The three new Vande Bharat trains will save passengers considerable travel time—up to one hour on the Meerut-Lucknow route, over two hours on the Chennai-Nagercoil route, and around one and a half hours on the Madurai-Bengaluru route. These trains are expected to provide world-class travel experiences to passengers across Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, further enhancing the ease of living and regional connectivity.
Significance of Vande Bharat trains
The Vande Bharat Express, first introduced on February 15, 2019, under the 'Make in India' initiative, has become a symbol of luxury and speed in rail travel. Currently, over 100 Vande Bharat services are operational, connecting more than 280 districts across the country, significantly transforming the travel experience for millions.
Regional impact of the new trains
- Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express: This is the first Vande Bharat train connecting Meerut with Lucknow. It is expected to boost religious tourism and support local industries with faster connectivity to the state capital.
- Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express: This train will connect the temple city of Madurai with the cosmopolitan hub of Bengaluru. It will facilitate business, education, and work-related commutes between Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
- Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express: Marking the first Vande Bharat service in this scenic region, the train will cover 726 km, connecting 12 districts in Tamil Nadu. It is expected to significantly improve travel for pilgrims and local residents alike.
World-class amenities
The Vande Bharat trains are equipped with advanced safety features, such as Kavach technology, rotating chairs, Divyangjan-friendly toilets, and integrated Braille signages, ensuring a modern and inclusive travel experience.
Enhancing tourism and local economies
The launch of these trains is anticipated to not only improve connectivity but also support religious tourism and local economies, particularly in regions like Meerut and Nagercoil, by providing faster and more efficient travel options.
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