The Durg-Vishakapatnam Vande Bharat Express was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday from the Raipur railway station.
According to loco pilot J.D. Navrengay, the new train service will run at a maximum speed of 160 km/h and cover the distance between Durg and Vishakapatnam in just eight hours. This is a significant improvement compared to the local train services, which previously took 11 to 12 hours for the same journey. Navrengay also noted that the train’s engine will only start if all doors are securely closed, ensuring passenger safety.
The Vande Bharat Express is highlighted for its cleanliness, modern amenities, and efficient service. School children were among the first passengers to experience the new train, expressing enthusiasm and excitement about the journey. Diksha Sahu, a student on her maiden Vande Bharat trip, praised the train for its cleanliness and superior facilities compared to local trains.
School principal Bhushan Paragniya remarked on the train’s impact, noting that it would greatly benefit intercity travelers by reducing travel time. He expressed optimism that the introduction of more Vande Bharat trains could spur faster development in Chhattisgarh.
The flagging-off ceremony was attended by Chhattisgarh Governor Raman Deka, Union Minister Tokhan Sahu, MP Brijmohan Aggarwal, and MLAs Purender Mishra and Khushwant Saheb.