HON’BLE PM FLAGGED OFF SIX NEW VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS INCLUDING BRAHMAPUR-TATANAGAR VANDE BHARAT VIA KENDUJHARGARH THROUGH VIDEO CONFERENCING

Bhubaneswar:15/9/24:Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off six Vande Bharat Express trains and laid the foundation stones and dedicated various infrastructure-related projects today in Jharkhand in a significant event that highlights the ongoing modernization of the railway network. The event was also to showcase several key railway infrastructure projects aimed at boosting connectivity and convenience. The flagged-off trains include Tatanagar–Patna, Varanasi–Deoghar, Howrah-Dhanbad–Gaya, Howrah-Dumka–Bhagalpur, Howrah-Tatanagar- Rourkela and Brahmapur-Tatanagar.

The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express trains is a testament to the government’s broader vision of transforming India’s railways into a world-class network. These semi-high-speed trains, equipped with modern amenities and designed for comfort, are expected to reduce travel time and offer a superior travel experience. By connecting cities like Patna, Deoghar, Brahmapur, Dhanbad, and Rourkela with major commercial and industrial hubs, these new routes will not only improve passenger connectivity but also stimulate economic activity in the region.

Hon’ble Governor of Odisha Shri Raghubar Das graced the occasion at Rourkela Railway Station, where Rourkela-Howrah Vande Bharat Express was flagged off.

Similarly, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Odisha Shri Mohan Charan Majhi graced the occasion at Brahmapur Railway Station. He also thanked Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi JI and Hon’ble Railway Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw Ji for introducing more Vande Bharat Express in Odisha and also travelled in Vande Bharat Express from Brahmapur to Bhubaneswar. Shri Majhi also interacted with the students & passengers and took their feedback. Hon’ble Ministers, Govt of Odisha Shri Bibhuti Bhusan Jena and Shri Gokulananda Mallik, Hon’ble MPs Shri Pradeep Panigrahi & Smt. Anita Subhadarshini, Hon’ble MLAs Shri Sidhant Mohapatra & Shri Kundala Anil Kumar had graced the occasion at Brahmapur.

Shri Prithviraj Harichandan, Hon’ble Minister of Excise, Law & Works; Hon’ble MP Dr Sambit Patra graced the occasion at Balugaon Railway Station. Hon’ble Dy Chief Minister Smt Pravati Parida and MLAs Shri Bibhuti Bhusana Balabantaray were present at Khurda Road. Dy Chief Minister Shri K V Singhdeo was present at Bhubaneswar Railway Station. Hon’ble MLA Sofia Firdous was present at Cuttack Railway Station. Hon’ble Minister, Govt of Odisha Shri Pradeep Bal Samanta, Hon’ble MP Dr Rabindra Narayan Behera were present at Jakhapura Railway Station. Hon’ble MLA Dr Fakir Mohan Naik was present at Harichandanpur Station. Similarly, Hon’ble MP Shri Ananta Nayak was present at Kendujhargarh Railway Station and welcomed New Vande Bharat Express on its inaugural journey towards Tatanagar.

Brahmapur-Tata Vande Bharat Express via Kendujhargarh on its inaugural run from Brahmapur left at 1100hrs. However, the regular service of the train will commence from Tatanagar w.e.f. 18^th September 2024 and from Brahmapur w.e.f. 19^th September 2024. On the regular run, this train will leave Brahmapur at 0515hrs towards Tata and in the return direction, this train will leave Tata at 1450hrs towards Brahmapur.

Prime Minister will also lead another round of railway modernization projects on September 16 from Ahmedabad. During this event, PM Modi will inaugurate additional Vande Bharat trains across the country including Visakhapatnam-Raipur-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express via Titilagarh and Rayagada and mark the introduction of the first-ever Vande Metro service, which will operate between Bhuj and Ahmedabad. This service aims to offer metro-style short-distance travel, providing faster and more convenient commutes for people in Gujarat.