South India is a land of immense talent, resources and opportunities. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that the development of entire South India, including Tamil Nadu, is the government’s priority. Also, Vande Bharat trains are the new face of Indian Railways which is being modernized, he said while inaugurating 3 Vande Bharat train services.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the three Vande Bharat trains today through a video presentation. Madurai – Bengaluru, Chennai – Nagercoil, Meerut – Lucknow are the three routes. The Vande Bharat train between Chennai Egmore and Nagercoil will save 2 hours of travel compared to the existing high speed train between the two cities. Similarly, Madurai – Bengaluru Vande Bharat train will save 1 hour 30 minutes travel time and Meerut – Lucknow Vande Bharat train will save around 1 hour travel time.
Speaking at the launch of Vande Bharat trains, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, “Madurai-Bengaluru, Chennai-Nagarkoil, Meerut-Lucknow Vande Bharat trains are witnessing a new chapter in India’s journey of development from north to south. Due to the modernization and expansion of Vande Bharat Railways, the nation is progressing towards the goal of a developed India.
Madurai, the temple city, is now linked to IT City Bangalore. This will not only make connectivity easier, but also more useful for commuters, especially during weekends or festive seasons. The Chennai – Nagercoil corridor will greatly benefit students, farmers and IT professionals. Tourism growth will further increase in places connected with Vande Bharat trains.
Rapid development of southern states is essential to achieve the goal of a developed India. South India is a land of immense talent, resources and opportunities. The government’s priority is the development of entire South India including Tamil Nadu. The growth journey of railways is an example of the government’s commitment. Compared to the year 2014, this year Tamil Nadu’s railway budget is 7 times more than Rs. 6,000 crore has been earmarked. Now, the total number of Vande Bharat trains in Tamil Nadu rises to 8. Similarly, 9 times more than in 2014, this year’s budget for Karnataka is Rs. 7,000 crore has been allocated in the budget. Today 8 Vande Bharat trains connect Karnataka.
Vande Bharat is the new face of modernization of Indian Railways. In every city, in every route, there is a demand for Vande Bharat. The advent of high-speed trains has given people hope to expand their business and employment and expand their dreams. Today, there are 102 Vande Bharat train services operating across the country. So far more than 3 crore people have traveled in these trains. These numbers are not only proof of the success of Vande Bharat Trains, they are a symbol of India’s wishes and dreams.
Modernization of railway infrastructure is very important in creating a developed India. Keeping this in mind, doubling of railway lines, electrification, running of new trains and laying of new routes are progressing at a fast pace. In this year’s budget, the Railways will spend Rs. 2.5 lakh crore has been allocated. To change the old image of Indian Railways, the government is incorporating high-tech services. Amrita Bharat trains are also being expanded along with Vande Bharat. Namo Bharat trains are also running for the convenience of people. Vande Metro will be launched soon to tackle traffic problems within the cities.
Indian cities are always identified by their railway stations. With the Amrit Bharat Railway Project, railway stations are being upgraded and giving cities a new identity. More than 1300 railway stations in the country have been renovated. Some of them look like airports. Even the smallest railway stations are being developed with state-of-the-art facilities.
When the connectivity infrastructure like railways, roads and waterways gets stronger, the country gets stronger. They benefit the common citizens of the country, be it poor or middle class. The poor are also benefiting from the country’s growth as hospitals, toilets and houses are being built in record numbers. As colleges, universities, and industrial infrastructure grow, so do opportunities for youth advancement. Over 25 crore people have been lifted out of poverty in the last 10 years due to many such initiatives.
The Railways has worked hard to raise the confidence of solving the decades-old problems. India has a long way to go in this direction. The work will not stop until the Indian Railways ensures a comfortable journey for everyone, be it the poor or the middle class. Infrastructure development in the country can play a major role in poverty alleviation. I congratulate the people of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Uttar Pradesh for three new Vande Bharat trains,” he said.
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