PM Modi sets off Vande Bharat Express between Bhopal and New Delhi at Rani Kamlapati Station

Prime Minister Narendra Modi set off the Vande Bharat Express train between Bhopal and New Delhi at Rani Kamlapati Railway Station in Bhopal on Saturday. He said that the train will reduce the travel time between Delhi and Bhopal and will bring various facilities and conveniences for the professionals and young people.

आज MP को अपनी पहली वंदे भारत एक्सप्रेस ट्रेन मिली है। pic.twitter.com/Ew3TiQ0mRJ

— PMO India (@PMOIndia) April 1, 2023

Vande Bharat Express has redefined the passenger travel experience in the country. The new train being introduced between Rani Kamlapati Railway station, Bhopal and New Delhi railway station will be the 11th Vande Bharat service and 12th Vande Bharat train in the country. The indigenously designed Vande Bharat Express train set is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities.  It will make rail travel quicker, more pleasant, and more convenient.

The Prime Minister discussed his interactions with the school children on the occasion and underlined the sense of curiosity and excitement about the train in the children. “In a way, Vande Bharat is a symbol of India’s enthusiasm and excitement. It represents our skills, confidence and capabilities”, he remarked.

The Prime Minister also emphasised the advantages of the railway for tourism in the area as Sanchi, Bhimbetka, Bhojpur and Udayagiri caves will start getting more footfalls. Also, this will increase the chances for job, income, and self-employment.

He recalled the appeasement by the earlier government at the cost of meeting the needs of the citizens. “They were busy with appeasement (tushtikaran) of the vote bank, we are committed to satisfying the needs of the citizens (santushtikaran)”, he added. Calling Indian Railway, common family transport, the PM asked why it was not upgraded and modernized earlier.

The government has worked hard to establish Indian Railways the world’s best rail network, the prime minister said. The Prime Minister addressed the issue of hundreds of unmanned gates in this huge rail network causing tragic accidents, shedding light on the bad press Indian Railways experienced before 2014. He stated that there are currently no unmanned gates on the broad gauge network. Additionally, he pointed out that while news of train accidents that resulted in the loss of life or property was prevalent in the past, Indian Railways are now considerably safer. He emphasised that the Made in India “Kavach” program’s scope is being broadened to improve passenger security.

Modi said, ‘One Station One Product’ initiative, has made the railways into a potent vehicle for transporting the works of regional craftsmen. According to the programme, passengers can purchase regional goods at the station, including handicrafts, artwork, cutlery, textiles, and paintings. More than one lakh purchases have been made at the approximately 600 stores that are currently open nationwide.

The PM said, “Today, Indian Railways is becoming synonymous with convenience for the common families of the country.” He listed upgrades like railway station modernization, WiFi facilities on 6000 stations and CCTV on 900 stations in this regard.