Did PM Modi Just Launch 3 Vande Bharat Trains to Elevate Tourism, Commerce & Connectivity?

Bengaluru, Aug 10 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the operation of three Vande Bharat trains from the Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Train Station in Bengaluru on Sunday.

In a post on X, PM Modi expressed his happiness with the message: "Excited to launch the following Vande Bharat trains today in Bengaluru: Bengaluru to Belagavi, Amritsar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Nagpur to Pune. These services will enhance tourism, commerce, and connectivity."

The Prime Minister physically inaugurated the Vande Bharat train service connecting Bengaluru and Belagavi, while also launching the services between Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and between Nagpur (Ajni) and Pune virtually.

During the event, PM Modi boarded the Vande Bharat train at the Krantiveera Sangolli Rayanna Train Station in Bengaluru and engaged with students and children present.

At the venue, PM Modi waved to railway staff, while school children with their drawings and Tricolours cheered him on.

Notable figures in attendance included Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State for Railways V. Somanna, Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao, and BJP State President B.Y. Vijayendra.

As the Vande Bharat train to Belagavi set off, PM Modi and other dignitaries waved to the passengers onboard.

Supportive slogans were raised by commuters in admiration of the Prime Minister.

The new Vande Bharat train service connecting Bengaluru and Belagavi is deemed a significant advantage for travelers between northern and southern Karnataka.

This service will benefit eight districts in Bengaluru and will operate six days a week, marking Karnataka's 11th Vande Bharat train.

Regarding the Amritsar-Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra service, Dr. Jitendra Singh, Minister of State (PMO), highlighted this as a landmark event for Jammu and Kashmir, crediting PM Modi for the initiative.

Dr. Singh noted that this will facilitate easy journeys for devotees traveling from various parts of the country to visit the Mata Vaishno Devi shrine in Katra.

Gratitude was expressed by Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha towards PM Modi for dedicating the Vande Bharat Train service between Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station.

“This new Vande Bharat Train will provide convenient travel for devotees and stimulate local economic growth,” L-G Sinha remarked.

He mentioned that Jammu and Kashmir’s transport infrastructure, especially in railways, has seen remarkable development under PM Modi's leadership.

L-G Sinha added that the arrival of the first freight train from Punjab to Anantnag marked a pivotal advancement in the transport infrastructure and trade of the Kashmir Valley.

He posted on X: "Thankful to PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji for flagging off the Vande Bharat Train between Amritsar and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra Station. The railway transport infrastructure in J&K has experienced unprecedented growth under PM Modi. The new train will ease travel for Mata Vaishno Devi devotees and spur local economic growth. The first freight train's arrival at Anantnag will significantly enhance trade and infrastructure in the Kashmir Valley."

The Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra - Amritsar Vande Bharat Express Train will leave Katra at 6:40 a.m. and arrive in Amritsar at 12:20 p.m. the same day. The return journey from Amritsar to Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra will depart at 4:25 p.m., reaching Katra at 10:00 p.m.

This service will run six days a week, excluding Tuesdays.

The Vande Bharat train service is currently active from Katra to Baramulla, and by the end of the year, it will also operate from Jammu railway station, improving future travel ease.

The arrival of the freight train in Anantnag carrying cement for infrastructure projects will bolster the local economy by making the transport of goods more affordable and efficient, operating around the clock.