THE JHARKHAND STORY DESK
New Delhi, August 31: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off three Vande Bharat trains on Saturday, highlighting that their expansion represents the country’s swift and modern progress toward the vision of Viksit Bharat.
PM Modi flagged off the trains on three routes: Meerut to Lucknow, Madurai to Bengaluru, and Chennai to Nagercoil.
The Vande Bharat train from Meerut City to Lucknow will reduce travel time by approximately one hour compared to the fastest existing train on that route. Similarly, the Chennai Egmore to Nagercoil Vande Bharat will cut travel time by over 2 hours, and the Madurai to Bengaluru Vande Bharat will save around 1 hour and 30 minutes.
Significant advancement towards Viksit Bharat
Prime Minister Modi noted that the expansion of Vande Bharat trains marks a significant advancement in India’s development journey, enhancing connectivity from north to south.
He highlighted that these trains link key religious sites, such as connecting Madurai to Bengaluru and benefiting pilgrims. Additionally, the Chennai-Nagercoil route will aid students, farmers, and IT professionals.
Modi observed that Vande Bharat’s convenience has boosted tourism, increased business revenue, and created new job opportunities in the region.
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During the event, PM Modi remarked, “Today, from the north to the south, another chapter is being added to the country’s journey of development. The expansion of Vande Bharat trains reflects our nation’s progress towards the goal of a developed India with modernity and speed. These trains have provided connectivity to important religious places in the country. The Temple City of Madurai is now directly connected to the IT City of Bengaluru via Vande Bharat. This train will also prove beneficial for pilgrims.”
“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,” the PM added.
Rs 6,000 crores for Tamil Nadu and Rs 7,000 crore for Karnataka railway budget
Prime Minister Modi underscored the importance of rapidly developing southern states for India’s progress. He highlighted that Tamil Nadu and Karnataka are priorities, with significant budget increases for their railways.
Tamil Nadu’s railway budget has risen over sevenfold since 2014, and Karnataka’s by more than ninefold. The addition of new Vande Bharat trains in these states reflects this enhanced focus on connectivity and infrastructure.
“Southern India has immense talent and vast resources. Therefore, the development of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the entire south is a priority for our government. The railway development journey in these states over the past 10 years is a testament to this. In this year’s budget, we have allocated over Rs 6,000 crores for Tamil Nadu’s railway budget. This budget is more than seven times greater than that of 2014. Six Vande Bharat trains are already operating in Tamil Nadu, and today, this number will reach eight,” PM Modi said.
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He also noted that this time, Karnataka has been allocated a railway budget of over Rs 7,000 crores.
“This budget is also more than nine times greater than that of 2014. Today, eight pairs of Vande Bharat trains are connecting all of Karnataka. We have strengthened rail transport in the south. The railway tracks in these states are being improved, and electrification is taking place, which has enhanced people’s ease of living,” he added.
