PM Modi Flags Off Three New Vande Bharat Trains, Boosts Regional Connectivity

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Vande Bharat train routes, enhancing connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The expansion symbolizes India's stride towards modernity and development. These trains are expected to benefit travelers, businesses, and create new employment opportunities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated three new Vande Bharat trains via video conferencing, emphasizing the initiative's alignment with India's progress towards Viksit Bharat, a developed nation with modernity and speed. The newly flagged-off routes are Meerut-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, and Chennai-Nagercoil.

During the event, PM Modi remarked, 'From north to south, another chapter is added to our development journey. The Vande Bharat trains represent our progress towards a developed India. These trains link important religious sites, including connecting Madurai's Temple City to Bengaluru's IT hub, benefitting pilgrims significantly.'

He highlighted the benefits for various groups, saying, 'On the Chennai-Nagercoil route, students, farmers, and IT professionals will see great advantages. Wherever Vande Bharat trains operate, tourist numbers have surged, increasing income for businesses and creating new job opportunities in the region.'

Modi stressed the importance of southern states in achieving Viksit Bharat, saying, 'Southern India's talent and resources are essential. Our government prioritizes developing Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, and the whole south. The past decade shows our commitment, underscored by this year's allocation of over Rs 6,000 crores for Tamil Nadu's railway budget, a seven-fold increase since 2014.'

Karnataka's budget has also been significantly boosted, with over Rs 7,000 crores allocated, a nine-fold increase since 2014,' Modi added. 'Currently, eight pairs of Vande Bharat trains connect Karnataka, enhancing southern rail transport. Track improvements and electrification have significantly improved living standards.'

The Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat will save passengers about an hour compared to the fastest current train, while the Chennai-Nagercoil and Madurai-Bengaluru routes will cut travel times by over two hours and 1.5 hours, respectively. These trains promise world-class travel for passengers across Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, offering speed and comfort.

(With inputs from agencies.)