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On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated three new Vande Bharat Express trains via video conferencing, further expanding India's semi-high speed rail network. These new routes connect Meerut to Lucknow, Madurai to Bengaluru, and Chennai to Nagercoil, signifying a significant leap in connectivity and modernizing transportation across the country. The introduction of these trains not only offers a faster and more comfortable travel experience for commuters but also holds the potential to significantly boost regional economies, especially by fostering trade and tourism.
The Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express marks a first for Meerut, connecting it to the state capital, Lucknow, via a swift and efficient route. The train will significantly benefit the industries of the Meerut region, enabling faster and more convenient movement of goods and people between the two cities. The Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, operating six days a week, will facilitate seamless travel between the historical temple city of Madurai and the IT hub of Bengaluru. This route is expected to be a boon for businessmen, students, and other working professionals commuting between the two cities. Finally, the Chennai Central-Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express will connect the scenic town of Nagercoil in Tamil Nadu with Chennai. Covering a distance of 726 km, the train will provide modern and faster train travel experience to the people of 12 districts in Tamil Nadu, boosting economic activity and tourism in the region.
PM Modi emphasized the significance of these new trains in realizing the vision of a developed India. He highlighted the importance of infrastructure development in the southern states, particularly in Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, and emphasized the government's commitment to their growth. The budget allocated to Tamil Nadu's railways this year is more than seven times higher than in 2014, signifying a strong focus on improving connectivity and infrastructure in the region. The launch of these new Vande Bharat Express trains not only improves connectivity and travel time but also serves as a powerful symbol of India's progress towards modernization and economic development.
Source: PM Modi flags off three new Vande Bharat Express trains: Check route timing and stops