On August 31, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Vande Bharat trains, linking Meerut with Lucknow, Madurai with Bengaluru, and Chennai with Nagercoil. This initiative is part of a broader plan to enhance rail connectivity and accelerate development, particularly in southern India.

Improving Travel Efficiency

The new Vande Bharat trains are set to make significant improvements in travel times. The Meerut to Lucknow route will see a reduction of about one hour compared to the fastest existing service. The Chennai Egmore to Nagercoil train will cut travel time by over two hours, while the Madurai to Bengaluru service will save passengers approximately 90 minutes.

Focus on Southern Growth

In his address during the flag-off ceremony, Modi stressed the need for accelerated development in the southern states to achieve the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' by 2047. He highlighted that increased budget allocations for Tamil Nadu and Karnataka have already enhanced rail infrastructure in these regions.

This expansion of the Vande Bharat network is expected to greatly improve convenience and connectivity for passengers, supporting the country's broader goals of infrastructure development and regional growth.

Southern Railways has made special preparations for the inaugural journey of the new Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Vande Bharat train, the first of its kind to link the picturesque town of Nagercoil with Chennai.

The Railway Ministry noted that since the launch of the Vande Bharat Express on February 15, 2019, under the 'Make in India' initiative, these trains have become a symbol of India’s commitment to enhancing comfort and speed in rail travel. The Vande Bharat Express is a major milestone in modernizing the country's rail network.

With over 100 Vande Bharat Express services now running, these trains connect more than 280 districts across India, significantly improving the travel experience for millions of passengers.

The ministry highlighted the importance of these new trains, emphasizing that they will provide world-class travel experiences with increased speed and comfort, benefiting local communities and supporting India’s goal of becoming a "Viksit Bharat" (Developed India).

PM Modi to Flagg off Three New Vande Bharat Trains, Enhancing Connectivity Across India

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