PM Modi flags off 2nd Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express

The event, held at the newly opened Dedicated Freight Corridor, featured the flagging off of the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Express, Dohrighat-Mau MEMU train, and a pair of Long Haul goods trains by the Prime Minister. The highlight was the unveiling of the 10,000th locomotive produced by Banaras Locomotive Works.

The Vande Bharat Express, emblematic of the 'Make in India' initiative, is poised to transform travel between Uttar Pradesh and the national capital. Set to commence regular operations on December 20, the train will link Varanasi, Prayagraj, Kanpur, and New Delhi, providing a fast and contemporary travel option for both pilgrims and professionals.

As a self-propelled semi-high-speed train, the Vande Bharat Express boasts exceptional design, interiors, and speed, ensuring passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. The journey begins at 6:00 AM from Varanasi, with stops at Prayagraj, Kanpur Central, and finally New Delhi, enhancing connectivity and contributing to cultural, industrial, and economic development in the region. The return journey starts from New Delhi at 3:00 PM, concluding in Varanasi at 11:05 PM.

Simultaneously, the inauguration of the 402 km-long segment of the Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor from New Deen Dayal Upadhyay Junction to New Bhaupur Junction underscores the government's commitment to strengthening the logistics sector. Built at a cost of Rs 109.03 billion, this corridor connects coal fields in Jharkhand and West Bengal to power plants in Northern India.

Operating at speeds of up to 100 km/h, freight trains on this corridor have significantly reduced logistics costs and time, benefiting industries such as coal, iron, and steel. The completion of this segment not only alleviates pressure on the Delhi-Howrah main line but also sets the stage for additional passenger train services and the development of a multimodal logistics park near New Kanpur Junction.

The Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor stands as a testament to the government's vision for modernising infrastructure and fostering economic growth. Indian Railways, often considered the engine of India's progress, continues to play a pivotal role in the nation's economic development under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi.