Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded the significance of the Vande Bharat Express as a symbol of modern and aspirational India, emphasizing the nation’s progress as it traverses various destinations. During a virtual ceremony on Thursday, PM Modi flagged off Odisha’s first Vande Bharat Express, which will connect Puri to West Bengal’s Howrah, covering a distance of 500km in just six-and-a-half hours, as per railway officials.
Modern India on the Move: Inauguration of Odisha’s Vande Bharat Express
In his address, PM Modi remarked, “The Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of modern and aspirational India. India’s speed and progress can be seen whenever a Vande Bharat Train runs from one place to another. This pace can now be witnessed in the states of Odisha and West Bengal.” He emphasized that this era, known as the Amrit Kaal, is a time to fortify India’s unity and enhance its collective capabilities. PM Modi highlighted that the Vande Bharat trains embody the spirit of unity and progress.
The newly launched train is scheduled to operate six days a week, with brief halts of two minutes at each station along the route, including Kharagpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Khurda Road. PM Modi expressed the positive impact the Vande Bharat Express will have on travel, stating, “Be it travelling from Kolkata to Puri for darshan or the other way round, the travel time will now be reduced to only six-and-a-half hours, thereby saving time, giving rise to business opportunities, and providing new opportunities to youngsters.”
Highlighting the broader significance of the Vande Bharat Express initiative, PM Modi emphasized that fifteen such trains are already operational across the country, contributing to enhanced connectivity and economic growth. He noted the shift from earlier times when technological advancements and facilities were limited to Delhi and major cities, stating that “India has chosen a new path. This new India is making technologies on its own and reaching those to different corners of the country.”
The inaugural event at Puri railway station was attended by Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In addition to flagging off the train, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated railway projects worth over ₹8,000 crore in the state. These projects encompass the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations, 100% electrification of the rail network, and the construction of a new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda.
Enhancing Connectivity and Economic Growth: Vande Bharat Express Takes the Lead
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, addressing the event via video conferencing, expressed gratitude to PM Modi for inaugurating the Vande Bharat Express and launching various projects in the state. He lauded the introduction of the Vande Bharat train as a significant step towards fulfilling the aspiration of bullet trains in India, expressing confidence in the nation’s ability to have its own bullet trains in the near future.
Patnaik also urged PM Modi to introduce Vande Bharat trains on routes connecting Puri to Rourkela via Sambalpur, and Bhubaneswar to Hyderabad. He emphasized that such connections would facilitate faster movement of passengers between these important cities, benefiting the aspiring people of Odisha. The chief minister further conveyed the Centre’s support for the expeditious construction of the proposed Shree Jagannath Puri International Airport at Puri, which aims to become a world-class seaside airport. He expressed hope that within three to four years, the airport would be ready for dedication by PM Modi.
During a virtual ceremony on Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi celebrated the inauguration of Odisha’s revolutionary Vande Bharat Express and praised its significance as a representation of a modern and aspirational India. This high-speed train, connecting Puri to West Bengal’s Howrah, covers a distance of 500km in just six-and-a-half hours, according to railway officials.
In his address, PM Modi emphasized the Vande Bharat Express’s role in showcasing India’s progress as it traverses different regions. He stated, “The Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of modern and aspirational India. India’s speed and progress can be seen whenever a Vande Bharat Train runs from one place to another. This pace can now be witnessed in the states of Odisha and West Bengal.” PM Modi highlighted the train’s significance as a reflection of unity and progress, particularly during the Amrit Kaal, a time to strengthen India’s unity and enhance its collective capabilities.
The Vande Bharat Express will operate six days a week, with brief two-minute halts at each station along the route, including Kharagpur, Balasore, Bhadrak, Jajpur Keonjhar Road, Cuttack, Bhubaneswar, and Khurda Road. PM Modi expressed the positive impact this high-speed connectivity would have on travel, stating, “Be it traveling from Kolkata to Puri for darshan or the other way round, the travel time will now be reduced to only six-and-a-half hours, thereby saving time, giving rise to business opportunities, and providing new opportunities to youngsters.”
PM Modi underscored the broader significance of the Vande Bharat Express initiative by highlighting the operation of fifteen such trains across the country. These trains have contributed to enhanced connectivity and economic growth. PM Modi emphasized the paradigm shift in India’s approach to technology and facilities, stating, “There was a time when new technologies and facilities used to remain limited to Delhi or the big cities. But now, India has chosen a new path. This new India is making technologies on its own and reaching those to different corners of the country.”
The inauguration ceremony at Puri railway station was attended by prominent figures including Odisha Governor Ganeshi Lal, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In addition to flagging off the Vande Bharat Express, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated railway projects worth over ₹8,000 crore in Odisha. These projects encompass the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations, 100% electrification of the rail network, and the construction of a new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda.
Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, addressing the event through video conferencing, expressed his gratitude to PM Modi for inaugurating the Vande Bharat Express and launching various projects in the state. Patnaik hailed the introduction of the Vande Bharat train as a significant step towards realizing the dream of bullet trains in India. He expressed confidence that with PM Modi’s leadership, India would soon have its own bullet trains.
Furthermore, Patnaik urged PM Modi to introduce Vande Bharat trains on additional routes, connecting Puri to Rourkela via Sambalpur, as well as Bhubaneswar to Hyderabad. Such connections would facilitate faster and more convenient travel between these important cities, benefiting the aspiring people of Odisha. The chief minister also conveyed the Centre’s support for the expeditious construction of the proposed Shree Jagannath Puri International Airport in Puri. He expressed hope that with the cooperation and support of PM Modi, the airport would be ready within three to four years, and PM Modi would be present to dedicate the Shree Jagannath Puri International Airport.
The launch of the Vande Bharat Express and the inauguration of various railway projects signify a significant milestone in Odisha’s development and India’s vision for a modern and well-connected nation. These initiatives not only enhance travel efficiency but also boost economic opportunities, promote regional connectivity, and foster a sense of unity and progress among the people of Odisha and West Bengal. As India continues its journey towards progress and prosperity, the Vande Bharat Express stands as a testament to the nation’s relentless pursuit of innovation and development.