PM Narendra Modi inaugurates Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express, boosting connectivity and tourism in North East
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated the North East's first Vande Bharat Express, which will run from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal. During the inaugural event, the prime minister symbolically waved a green flag on screen, officially launching the train. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were present at Guwahati station for the ceremony.
In his speech, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that the Vande Bharat Express would have a significant impact on tourism, education, trade, and employment opportunities in the North East region. The semi-high-speed train will enhance connectivity between Assam and West Bengal, further strengthening the transportation network. Modi highlighted the infrastructure development in the North East over the past nine years, with all states now connected to the railway network. He stressed that infrastructure development is inclusive and does not discriminate, promoting social justice and secularism.
The state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Express will offer the people of the region faster and more comfortable travel options, ultimately boosting tourism. The train will complete the journey from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri in 5 hours and 30 minutes, compared to the current fastest train, which takes 6 hours and 30 minutes for the same distance.
In addition to inaugurating the Vande Bharat Express, the prime minister also dedicated a 182-kilometer route of newly electrified sections to the nation. Furthermore, he inaugurated a DEMU/MEMU shed at Lumding in Assam, contributing to the development of railway infrastructure in the region.
Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the Vande Bharat Express would be available in three versions by February-March of the following year. These versions include the Vande Chair Car, Vande Metro, and Vande Sleepers. The aim is to replace existing trains such as Shatabdi, Rajdhani, and local trains with these indigenous semi-high-speed trains. The production of these trains is taking place at the Integrated Coach Factory in Chennai.
Minister Vaishnaw also revealed that the Indian Railways plans to upgrade its tracks within the next three to four years to support a maximum speed of 160 km/h for the Vande Bharat trains. This upgrade will enable the trains to achieve their full potential in terms of speed and efficiency.
Overall, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express and the ongoing development of railway infrastructure in the North East region represent significant steps towards improving connectivity, promoting tourism, and enhancing the overall transportation network in the area.
