R ARIVANANTHAM
CHENNAI, AUG 31
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three Vande Bharat trains via video-conferencing on Saturday. Realizing the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat, the state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express will improve connectivity on three routes: Meerut—Lucknow, Madurai—Bengaluru, and Chennai—Nagercoil. These trains will boost connectivity in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
In a significant boost to rail travel, three new Vande Bharat trains are being flagged off. These will improve connectivity across various cities of Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu.https://t.co/td9b8ZcAHC
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) August 31, 2024
The launch of Chennai-Nagercoil and Madurai-Bengaluru trains is aimed at enhancing travel experience of people in southern India. The total number of Vande Bharat trains in Tamil Nadu would go up to 8, Modi said.
- Prime Minister flags off three Vande Bharat trains via video conferencing and says Vande Bharat is the new face of modernization of Indian Railways
- The launch of Chennai-Nagercoil and Madurai-Bengaluru trains is aimed at enhancing travel experience of people in southern India
- The total number of Vande Bharat trains in Tamil Nadu would go up to 8
- Nation is inching towards the goal of Vikist Bharat with modernization and expansion of Vande Bharat trains in the country
- National Capital Region (NCR) is becoming an example of PM Gatishakti’s vision to change the country’s infrastructure with modern trains, network of expressways and expansion of air services
Addressing the occasion, the Prime Minister said that a new chapter is being written in the development journey of India from the North to the South as Madurai—Bengaluru, Chennai—Nagercoil and Meerut—Lucknow Vande Bharat trains are being flagged off today. The Prime Minister underlined that the nation is inching towards the goal of Vikist Bharat with the modernization and expansion of Vande Bharat trains in the country. Referring to the three new Vande Bharat trains being flagged off today, the Prime Minister said that these have provided connectivity to important cities as well as historic towns in the country. “Temple City Madurai is now connected with IT City Bengaluru”, PM Modi said that this would not only ease connectivity, especially during the weekends or festive period but also be very beneficial for pilgrims. The Chennai—Nagercoil route would hugely benefit students, farmers and IT professionals. Modi noted the growth of tourism in places connected to Vande Bharat trains and said that it signifies the growth of businesses and employment opportunities in the region. He congratulated the citizens on the three new Vande Bharat trains.
Southern India is the land of immense talent, resources and opportunities
📡LIVE NOW📡
PM @narendramodi flags off three #VandeBharat trainshttps://t.co/dNfLhq2oEI@PMOIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw @RailMinIndia
— Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (@MIB_India) August 31, 2024
The Prime Minister underlined that the rapid development of Southern states is imperative to accomplish the goal of Viksit Bharat. “Southern India is the land of immense talent, resources and opportunities”, PM Modi remarked, noting that the development of Tamil Nadu along with the entire Southern India is the government’s priority. He said that the development journey of railways is an example of the government’s commitment. He informed that more than Rs 6000 crore has been allocated for Tamil Nadu’s rail budget this year, 7 times more than in 2014. He further added that the total number of Vande Bharat trains in Tamil Nadu would go up to 8 after today. Similarly, a budget of more than Rs 7000 crore has been allocated for Karnataka in this year’s Budget which is 9 times more than in 2014. 8 Vande Bharat Trains are connecting Karnataka today, he added.
The Prime Minister drew parallels from the budgets of the past and said that the multiple-fold increase has further strengthened the rail traffic in the states of Southern India including Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. He stated that railway tracks are being improved, electrification of railway tracks is taking place, and railway stations are being modernized. He further added that it has increased Ease of Living of the people and also made way for Ease of doing business.
“Vande Bharat is the new face of modernization of Indian Railways”, PM Modi remarked.
Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said that the Railways have worked hard to raise hopes of resolving decades-old problems over the years. He acknowledged that India has a long way to go in this direction and pledged to not stop until Indian Railways guarantees a comfortable journey for everyone, be it the poor or the middle class. He expressed confidence that the infrastructural development in the country will play a major role in ending poverty. “I once again congratulate the people of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh for the three new Vande Bharat trains”, Shri Modi concluded.
Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, Governor of Uttar PradeshAnandi Ben Patel, Governor of Tamil Nadu R N Ravi, Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh Yogi Adityanath, Union Ministers L Murugan and Somanna among others were physically/virtually present on the occasion.
Guv R N Ravi, Union Minister Dr L Murugan participates the flag off at Dr MGR Chennai Central Station
A warm moment inside the #VandeBharatExpress as Hon'ble #TamilNadu Governor R. N. Ravi meets & greets railway school students, receiving their heartfelt floral welcome.
A journey of smiles and aspirations! 🇮🇳 #SouthernRailway #VandeBharat #GovernorMeetAndGreet #RailwaySchool pic.twitter.com/P8SgDRWe3c
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) August 31, 2024
R. N. Ravi, Governor of Tamil Nadu, Dr L. Murugan, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs, S.S. Sivasankar, Minister for Transport, Nationalised Transport and Motor Vehicles Act., Govt. of Tamil Nadu, Tamilisai Soundararajan, Former Governor of Telangana and other dignitaries graced the occasion. R.N. Singh, General Manager, Southern Railway, Viswanath B. Eerya, DRM/Chennai and other railway officials, students, rail passengers and the general public participated in the function.
🎨✨ A budding artist's love for trains shines through her vibrant drawing as she enjoys her journey on the Vande Bharat Express! 🚆🇮🇳
#VandeBharatExpress #SouthernRailway #TrainLove #YoungArtist pic.twitter.com/YkIVWaOWMr
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) August 31, 2024
At Tambaram, T.R. Baalu, M.P, S.R. Raja, MLA and K. Vasantha Kumari, Mayor of Tambaram welcomed the inaugural service.
The new Vande Bharat Express, connecting the capital city of Chennai with the picturesque town of Nagercoil, will provide the fastest connectivity in this corridor. In addition, it will enhance links to key industrial, business, and tourist hubs, including Trichy, Madurai, Dindigul, and Tirunelveli. The new service will be a boon for passengers traveling to their home towns in the Southern districts of Tamil Nadu, especially during weekends, festivals, and holidays.
The regular run of Chennai Egmore – Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express will commence from Chennai Egmore and in the return direction, from Nagercoil, on 2nd September 2024. Bookings are open.
Madurai – Bengaluru Cantt. Vande Bharat flagged off
🚆 A proud moment as Hon'ble PM Modi flags off 3 Vande Bharat trains via video conferencing! Watch the Madurai-Bangalore Vande Bharat Express embark on its inaugural journey from Madurai Junction. 🇮🇳 #VandeBharatExpress #SouthernRailway pic.twitter.com/bOoC3mDnHX
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) August 31, 2024
At Madurai Jn, V. Somanna, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, S. Venkatesan, Member of Parliament, Kaushal Kishore, Additional General Manager, Southern Railway, Sharad Srivastava, DRM/Madurai and other railway officials, students, rail passengers and general public participated in the function.
The new Vande Bharat service between Madurai and Bengaluru Cantt. is the first direct train service between Madurai/Trichy and Bengaluru, passing through Salem and Karur. The fastest in the Madurai-Bengaluru sector, covering the distance in 8 hours. The new service Ideal for students, IT professionals, and business travelers who regularly commute to Bengaluru. Further, the passengers at intermediate stoppages such as Dindigul, Trichy, Karur, and Salem will experience significant time savings.
Ceremonial functions are organised at various enroute stations of the new Vande Bharat trains and a warm reception accorded to the prestigious service by elected representatives, rail passengers, railway officials, students, and general public enroute.
The regular run of Madurai – Bengaluru Cantt. Vande Bharat Express will commence from Madurai Jn. and in the return direction, from Bengaluru Cantt. on 2nd September 2024. Bookings are open.
