Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Vande Bharat trains via video conferencing on August 31, enhancing connectivity across Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. The Ministry of Railways highlighted the significance of these state-of-the-art trains in promoting faster, more comfortable travel, aligning with India’s ‘Make in India’ and Aatmanirbhar Bharat initiatives.
The newly launched Vande Bharat trains will operate on the following routes: Meerut City-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, and Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil. During the inauguration, PM Modi emphasized the importance of these trains in enhancing connectivity to key religious and economic hubs. He stated, “The expansion of Vande Bharat trains reflects our nation’s progress towards the goal of a developed India with modernity and speed.” He noted that the Madurai-Bengaluru train would connect Madurai, the Temple City, with the IT hub of Bengaluru, benefiting both pilgrims and professionals.
PM Modi underscored the broader impact of the Vande Bharat trains on regional development, citing increased tourism, local business growth, and 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. He also mentioned that the Chennai-Nagercoil route will benefit students, farmers, and IT professionals, further boosting regional economies.
Reiterating the importance of the rapid development of southern states in achieving a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India), the Prime Minister highlighted the government’s focus on Southern India, which is rich in talent and resources. He pointed out the 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.
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, 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, facilitating 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, significantly improving 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. PM Modi reiterated that the growth of southern states is crucial for India’s overall development and that these new train services will play a key role in achieving this goal.
