New Delhi, Aug 31 (UNI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off three Vande Bharat trains via video conferencing.
Vande Bharat Express will "improve the connectivity" on three routes, Meerut – Lucknow, Madurai – Bengaluru and Chennai – Nagercoil.
Speaking at the event, Modi said, "This expansion of trains is taking us to our vision of Viksit Bharat".
He added that these three new Vande Bharat trains will connect the important and historic cities.
'Temple city Madurai will now get connected to the IT city Bengaluru and benefits both pilgrims and employees".
He further added that similarly, the Chennai to Nagercoil Vande Bharat connectivity will benefit students, farmers, and working professionals.
The Prime Minister underlined that the rapid development of Southern states is imperative to accomplish the goal of Viksit Bharat.
“Southern India is the land of immense talent, resources and opportunities”, he remarked, noting that the development of Tamil Nadu along with the entire Southern India is the government’s priority.
Modi said that the development journey of Railways is an example of the government’s commitment. He informed that more than Rs 6000 crore has been allocated in Rail budget for Tamil Nadu this year, 7 times more than in 2014.
He informed, “Today, 102 Vande Bharat rail services are being operated across the country and more than 3 crore people have travelled in these trains so far”.
The PM emphasized that these numbers are not only proof of the success of Vande Bharat trains but also a symbol of the aspirations and dreams of India.
The Meerut City - Lucknow Vande Bharat will help passengers save around 1 hour in comparison to the current fastest train between the two cities. As per Railway Ministry, Chennai Egmore – Nagercoil Vande Bharat and Madurai - Bengaluru Vande Bharat trains will cover the journey saving more than 2 hours and around 1 hour 30 minutes respectively.
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