Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off three new Vande Bharat Express trains on Saturday, connecting the Meerut-Lucknow, Madurai-Bengaluru, and Chennai-Nagercoil routes via video conferencing. During the event, the Prime Minister emphasized how these new trains will contribute to the country’s ongoing vikas yatra (development journey). These additions join an existing fleet of over 100 semi-high-speed trains that connect more than 280 districts across India.
“The newly launched Vande Bharat trains will now connect major cities and historically significant locations in our country. Temple City Madurai will have direct connectivity to the IT hub Bengaluru, benefiting both pilgrims and employees. Similarly, the Chennai to Nagercoil Vande Bharat train will significantly aid students, farmers, and working professionals,” said Modi during the virtual launch.
The new Vande Bharat Express trains, connecting Chennai to Nagercoil, Madurai to Bengaluru, and Meerut to Lucknow, mark a significant step in enhancing passenger experience. “Passengers across India will soon have access to Vande Bharat Sleeper and Vande Bharat Metro services,” Modi announced.
He emphasized the transformation of railway stations across India, highlighting the modernization of even smaller stations with airport-like facilities, thereby enhancing ‘ease of travel’ and improving connectivity.
Currently, over 100 Vande Bharat trains, including these new additions, are operational, connecting more than 280 districts nationwide. The first Vande Bharat train was introduced on February 15, 2019, under the “Make in India” initiative.
These trains are a crucial element in boosting regional connectivity, economic growth, and tourism across the country. “Vande Bharat trains are equipped with advanced safety features, including ‘Kavach’ technology, CCTV cameras, emergency talk-back units, and more,” Modi noted.
Additionally, the trains offer advanced features such as a 15% reduction in energy consumption due to improved air conditioning and photo-catalytic UV air purification for better onboard air quality. Luxurious amenities, including side recliner seats, 180-degree swivel seats in executive coaches, panoramic windows, onboard Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information, LED lighting, and bio-vacuum toilets, make these trains a world-class travel option.
The Chennai Egmore-Nagercoil Vande Bharat, the first of its kind, connects the scenic town of Nagercoil with Chennai, covering 726 km across 12 districts in Tamil Nadu. This service will significantly reduce travel time, offering a faster and modern travel experience.
The Madurai-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express, the first Vande Bharat connecting these cities via the Tiruchchirappalli route, will cater to businessmen, students, and professionals, bridging the cultural and economic hubs of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka.
The Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express will enhance religious tourism by providing faster access to pilgrimage sites in both regions. The train will also bolster Meerut’s industries, including sports goods, musical instruments, sugar, and electronics, by improving connectivity with Uttar Pradesh’s capital.