New Delhi: India Prime Minister Narendra Modi is all set to flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah today, may 18,  via video conferencing. The train is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities.

The train will pass through the West Bengali districts of Paschim Medinipur and Purba Medinipur as well as the Odisha districts of Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore, said the Prime Minister's Office (PMO). Passengers will enjoy a faster, more pleasant, and convenient travel experience on the railway, which will also increase tourism and support regional economic growth.

The Vande Bharat Express, an Indian-designed semi-high-speed train, successfully completed a trial run between Howrah and Puri last month. The P M Modi will lay the foundation stone and dedicate a number of railway projects worth overRs 8,000 crore in Odisha via video conferencing on Thursday.

The Prime Minister will officially lay the foundation stone for the renovation of the railway stations in Puri and Cuttack. According to a PMO statement, the rebuilt stations would feature all contemporary conveniences to give rail travellers a first-rate experience.

The whole train system in Odisha would be electrified, according to the prime minister. As a result, there will be less need for imported crude oil and operating and maintenance expenses will be lower.

The third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga, the doubling of the Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line, a new broad gauge rail line between Angul and Sukinda, and a new broad gauge line between Bichhupali and Jhartarbha will also be dedicated by PM Modi. According to a statement from the PMO, these will help meet the increased traffic demands brought on by the rapid industrial expansion in Odisha's steel, electricity, and mining industries. They will also relieve some of the burden on passenger traffic in these rail lines. 

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