Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history in India’s rail network as he launched the second Vande Bharat Express, marking a significant leap in the country’s railway infrastructure. The inaugural event, held on Monday, witnessed the flagging off of the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, along with the Dohrighat-Mau MEMU train and a duo of Long Haul goods trains at the Dedicated Freight Corridor.
A highlight of the ceremony was the unveiling of the 10,000th locomotive produced by Banaras Locomotive Works, symbolizing a significant milestone in India’s indigenous manufacturing capabilities.
The Vande Bharat Express, an emblem of the ‘Make in India’ initiative, heralds a new era in travel efficiency between Uttar Pradesh and the national capital. Set to commence regular service on December 20, the train will establish a seamless connection between Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and New Delhi, catering to the needs of pilgrims and commuters alike.
With a 6:00 AM departure from Varanasi, the Vande Bharat Express will traverse through Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, culminating in New Delhi, offering passengers a modern and swift travel experience. The return journey, starting at 3:00 PM from New Delhi, will conclude in Varanasi at 11:05 PM.
Concurrently, the inauguration of the 402 km-long Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor section from New Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction to New Bhaupur Junction underlines the government’s commitment to bolstering the logistics sector.
Constructed at a cost of ₹10,903 crore, this corridor connects coal-rich areas in Jharkhand and West Bengal to Northern India’s power plants. Operating at speeds of up to 100 km/h, freight trains on this route have significantly slashed logistical costs and time, benefiting sectors like coal, iron, and steel industries.
Beyond alleviating congestion on the Delhi-Howrah main line, the corridor’s completion opens doors for additional passenger services and the establishment of a multimodal logistics park near New Kanpur Junction.
This ambitious project underscores the government’s vision to modernize infrastructure, boost economic development, and exemplifies Indian Railways’ pivotal role in the nation’s progress under PM Modi’s leadership.
Sources By Agencies
