PM Modi Inaugurates Railway Projects, Flags off Vande Bharat Express

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated multiple railway projects worth over 8,000 crore rupees in Odisha through video conferencing. During the ceremony, PM Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express, which will run between Puri and Howrah.

Covering a distance of 500 kilometers, the train will pass through various districts in Odisha and West Bengal, including Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, Balasore, Paschim Medinipur, and Purba Medinipur. The Vande Bharat Express aims to provide a faster, more comfortable, and convenient travel experience for passengers, while also boosting tourism and promoting economic development in the region.

Railway projects being launched in Odisha will significantly boost connectivity and enhance ‘Ease of Travel’ for the citizens. https://t.co/WWls5vqJNc

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 18, 2023

Regular operations of the Howrah-Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will begin on May 20, with the train running six days a week. Departing from Howrah at 6:10 am, it will arrive in Puri at 12:35 pm. In the return direction, it will depart from Puri at 1:50 pm and reach Howrah at 8:30 pm. Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the Vande Bharat Express symbolizes modern India and the aspirations of its people, showcasing the country’s progress and development.

PM Modi highlighted the significance of indigenous technology in the creation of the Vande Bharat Express, emphasizing India’s commitment to developing its own capabilities and bringing advanced facilities to even the remotest parts of the country. He stated that infrastructure not only improves people’s lives but also empowers society as a whole.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of balanced development among states for the overall growth of the nation. Despite challenging global conditions, India has maintained a steady growth rate. In addition to inaugurating the Vande Bharat Express, Prime Minister Modi laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations. These stations will offer modern amenities, providing a world-class experience for rail passengers.

Furthermore, PM Modi dedicated the complete electrification of the rail network in Odisha, which will enhance the efficiency and sustainability of railway operations. He also inaugurated various other rail projects, including the doubling of the Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line, a new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda, the third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga, and a new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali-Jhartarbha. These projects will cater to the growing demands of industries in the steel, power, and mining sectors in Odisha, alleviating the pressure on passenger traffic in these regions.