Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated three new Vande Bharat trains through a video conferencing event, marking a significant enhancement in India’s railway network. The newly launched routes—Meerut-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, and Chennai-Nagercoil—are set to bolster connectivity and align with the nation’s goal of achieving a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) through advanced transportation solutions.
In his address, PM Modi emphasized the transformative impact of these new trains, highlighting their role in advancing India’s infrastructure and economic development. The Prime Minister described the expansion of the Vande Bharat network as a testament to the country’s progress towards modernity and efficiency in transportation.
“Today, we take another major step forward in our development journey with the launch of these Vande Bharat trains,” Modi said. He noted that the new routes will improve travel between key cities and religious destinations, enhancing both convenience and connectivity for passengers.
The Meerut-Lucknow route, one of the newly inaugurated services, is expected to reduce travel time by approximately one hour compared to the fastest existing train. Similarly, the Chennai-Nagercoil train will cut journey times by more than two hours, while the Madurai-Bengaluru service will save around one hour and 30 minutes. Modi highlighted these time savings as crucial benefits for commuters, students, and professionals across these regions.
The Prime Minister also underscored the significance of the Madurai-Bengaluru route, linking the historic city of Madurai with Bengaluru, a major IT hub. This new connection is anticipated to benefit pilgrims and boost tourism, contributing to regional economic growth. The Chennai-Nagercoil route is expected to support students, farmers, and IT professionals by improving travel efficiency and connectivity.
“Introducing these Vande Bharat trains not only enhances travel convenience but also stimulates local economies and creates new employment opportunities,” Modi added. He stressed that better transportation links would lead to increased tourism, higher business revenues, and job creation.
Modi highlighted the government’s focus on accelerating development in southern India, noting the substantial investments in railway infrastructure. Tamil Nadu has been allocated over Rs 6,000 crores for railway development in this year’s budget, reflecting a significant increase from previous years. With today’s additions, Tamil Nadu’s Vande Bharat fleet will grow from six to eight trains. Karnataka has also received an allocation of over Rs 7,000 crores for railway projects.
These new Vande Bharat trains are designed to provide a state-of-the-art travel experience, featuring modern amenities and efficiency. Serving the states of Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, the trains are expected to advance India’s vision of a developed and integrated transportation system, supporting regional development and economic growth.
PM Modi’s initiative highlights the ongoing commitment to modernizing India’s railway network and achieving the broader goal of a prosperous and developed nation. The expansion of the Vande Bharat trains underscores the government’s dedication to enhancing infrastructure and driving forward the nation’s development agenda.
