In a major step towards enhancing India’s rail connectivity, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off seven new Vande Bharat Express trains from Jharkhand today. The event marks another milestone in Indian Railways ' modernization efforts since the Vande Bharat trains were introduced in 2019. With the addition of these seven trains, the total number of Vande Bharat trains now stands at 54, covering 24 States and Union Territories and connecting over 280 districts. These trains, designed and manufactured in India, are celebrated for their luxury, speed, and inclusivity, offering state-of-the-art amenities like ergonomic seating and Divyangjan-friendly facilities.
The new trains, including the much-anticipated Howrah-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express, promise to transform travel across key regions, driving both economic growth and religious tourism. They will serve important routes such as Tatanagar-Patna, Bhagalpur-Dumka-Howrah, Brahmapur-Tatanagar, and Deoghar-Varanasi, offering a faster and more comfortable travel experience for passengers.
The virtual flagging-off ceremony, held at 11:00 AM, saw participation from dignitaries, railway officials, and students, with the Howrah-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express being launched in a grand ceremony at Howrah Station. The Governor of West Bengal, who participated virtually, praised Indian Railways for its pivotal role in uniting the country and supporting economic growth. He highlighted the benefits the new Vande Bharat trains will bring to key industries such as coal, jute, and steel in regions like Dhanbad and Kolkata.
Sukanta Majumder, union minister of state for Education, also addressed the gathering. He lauded the Vande Bharat Express as a symbol of India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation, emphasizing that these trains are not just about speed but reflect the nation’s commitment to economic and social mobility.
In addition to the launch of the trains, Eastern Railway organized cultural events at Howrah Station, where school students participated in drawing and essay competitions. Prize winners were felicitated, including Master Shibu Das of Kendriya Vidyalaya, who won first place in the drawing competition, and Santuti Mukherjee, who excelled in the essay competition.
Alongside the train launch, PM Modi also distributed sanction letters to 20,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) and participated in Griha Pravesh ceremonies for 46,000 households, reaffirming the government’s commitment to housing for all.
Among the seven new trains, three belong to the Eastern Railway zone:
The new trains, including the much-anticipated Howrah-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express, promise to transform travel across key regions, driving both economic growth and religious tourism. They will serve important routes such as Tatanagar-Patna, Bhagalpur-Dumka-Howrah, Brahmapur-Tatanagar, and Deoghar-Varanasi, offering a faster and more comfortable travel experience for passengers.
The virtual flagging-off ceremony, held at 11:00 AM, saw participation from dignitaries, railway officials, and students, with the Howrah-Rourkela Vande Bharat Express being launched in a grand ceremony at Howrah Station. The Governor of West Bengal, who participated virtually, praised Indian Railways for its pivotal role in uniting the country and supporting economic growth. He highlighted the benefits the new Vande Bharat trains will bring to key industries such as coal, jute, and steel in regions like Dhanbad and Kolkata.
Sukanta Majumder, union minister of state for Education, also addressed the gathering. He lauded the Vande Bharat Express as a symbol of India’s progress toward becoming a developed nation, emphasizing that these trains are not just about speed but reflect the nation’s commitment to economic and social mobility.
In addition to the launch of the trains, Eastern Railway organized cultural events at Howrah Station, where school students participated in drawing and essay competitions. Prize winners were felicitated, including Master Shibu Das of Kendriya Vidyalaya, who won first place in the drawing competition, and Santuti Mukherjee, who excelled in the essay competition.
Alongside the train launch, PM Modi also distributed sanction letters to 20,000 beneficiaries of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana - Gramin (PMAY-G) and participated in Griha Pravesh ceremonies for 46,000 households, reaffirming the government’s commitment to housing for all.
Among the seven new trains, three belong to the Eastern Railway zone:
- Bhagalpur-Dumka-Howrah Vande Bharat Express: Reduces travel time for passengers from key districts of Jharkhand and West Bengal.
- Deoghar-Varanasi Vande Bharat Express: Boosts religious tourism between Baidyanath Dham in Jharkhand and Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Uttar Pradesh.
- Gaya-Howrah Vande Bharat Express: Serves students, professionals, and tourists, reducing travel time between Gaya and Howrah.
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