PM Modi launches nine Vande Bharat trains, covering 11 states
On 24th September 2023 at 12:30 PM, via video conferencing, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a new fleet of nine Vande Bharat trains. These state-of-the-art Vande Bharat trains are central to Prime Minister Modi’s vision of enhancing connectivity throughout India while offering rail passengers unparalleled facilities.
The newly introduced Vande Bharat Express routes are:
- Udaipur – Jaipur
- Tirunelveli-Madurai- Chennai
- Hyderabad –Bengaluru
- Vijayawada – Chennai (via Renigunta)
- Patna – Howrah
- Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram
- Rourkela – Bhubaneswar – Puri
- Ranchi – Howrah
- Jamnagar-Ahmedabad
Connecting Eleven States: A Pan-Indian Rail Revolution
Spanning across eleven states – Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Bihar, West Bengal, Kerala, Odisha, Jharkhand, and Gujarat, these Vande Bharat trains aim to amplify connectivity. Beyond bridging states, they promise an expedited travel experience. For instance, the Rourkela- Bhubaneswar – Puri and Kasaragod – Thiruvananthapuram Vande Bharat Express routes will trim travel time by about 3 hours compared to their preceding fastest counterparts. The Hyderabad – Bengaluru route will save over 2.5 hours, the Tirunelveli-Madurai- Chennai route over 2 hours, while the Ranchi – Howrah, Patna – Howrah, and Jamnagar-Ahmedabad routes by approximately 1 hour.
Blending Spirituality and Speed: Vande Bharat’s Unique Offering
Embodying PM Modi’s aspiration to better link significant religious hubs, the Rourkela- Bhubaneswar – Puri and Tirunelveli-Madurai- Chennai Vande Bharat Express routes will connect religious landmarks like Puri and Madurai. Further, enhancing connectivity to the sacred Tirupati Pilgrimage centre, the Vijayawada – Chennai Vande Bharat Express will operate via the Renigunta route.
In conclusion, the advent of the Vande Bharat trains is a testament to India’s evolving rail landscape. Outfitted with advanced amenities, superior safety standards including the Kavach technology, these trains symbolize a transformative journey for everyday commuters, business professionals, students, and tourists alike.