With an eye on both the Assembly and Lok Sabha polls in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday rolled out the eighth Vande Bharat Express Train between Secunderabad and Vishakapatnam.
Modi described the ‘Made in India’ Vande Bharat Express as a symbol of an India which is heading toward self-reliance after coming out of its colonial mindset.
Interestingly, the Modi government has been fascinated with gifting indigenous trains to the poll-bound states during the last few months. “Glad to flag off Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam.
It will enhance ‘Ease of Living’, boost tourism, and benefit the economy. In this festive environment, it is a gift for the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh,” Modi said through a virtual platform amidst chantings of Pongal ritual songs and festivities at the Secunderabad Railway Station.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, MoS Home G Kishan Reddy who represents Secunderabad in the Lok Sabha, Telangana Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan, and other representatives from the Telangana and AP governments were present at the station.
On the occasion, Modi said Vande Bharat Express, in a way, will connect the shared culture and heritage of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. “Vande Bharat Express signifies that India wants the best of everything. The Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of the resolve and potential of New India.
It is a symbol of that India which wants to give better facilities to all its citizens,” Modi said in his video conference address. Connectivity-related infrastructure, the Prime Minister said, not only connects two places but also connects dreams to reality. It connects manufacturing to the market and talent to the platform, he added.
Prime Minister also paid tribute to soldiers and ex-servicemen on the occasion of Army Day. Addressing the gathering, Vaishnav said, “Vande Bharat is an outstanding train. It can travel 0-100 km in 52 seconds, whereas other trains in the world take 54 to 60 seconds.
The designs of Vande Bharat are even better than that of an aeroplane, it can provide at most comfortable travelling.” He said the development of the nation and Railways is above politics.
“PM Modi is giving Telangana Rs 3,500 crore. We must use this opportunity and develop railways in Telangana in the best possible way,” Vaishnaw said.
“The Railway Minister also announced the Secunderabad station will be developed into a world-class station. “PM Modi has sanctioned Rs 720 crore for this station along with that 35 other stations in Telangana will be developed,” added Vaishnaw.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the Vande Bharat Express connecting Secunderabad with Visakhapatnam is the first one connecting the Telugu-speaking states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, covering a distance of about 700 kms.
The train has stoppages at Visakhapatnam, Rajahmundry and Vijayawada stations in Andhra Pradesh and at Khammam, Warangal and Secunderabad stations in Telangana.
The first run of train comprising of passengers and guests from schools, railways, media and some awardees were received with heavy sloganeering in favour of Modi and Bharat Mata and the route of 700 kilometers witnessed a chain of curious onlookers along the tracks making full use of their mobile cameras to capture the fastest train crossing in their respective vicinity. “Today is a big day as due to our biggest festival and this gift from the Modi government to the people of both Telangana and Andhra. Physically the contours have been divided but the soul remains one.
We are very emotional today due to this fast and world-class connectivity and thanks to the PM’s effort to virtually make efforts to unite the States,” said Ravindra Raj, on board the inaugural run of Vande Bharat towards Vishakapatnam.