Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed immense pride in India’s accomplishments and the world’s hopeful gaze upon the country. During the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Express, which connects Dehradun to Delhi, the Prime Minister highlighted India’s remarkable progress in various domains, including strengthening the economy, fighting poverty, and combating the COVID-19 pandemic. Prime Minister Modi emphasised that India has become a global attraction, with people from all corners of the world eager to visit and understand the essence of the nation.
He specifically highlighted the exceptional opportunities available to states like Uttarakhand. Through video conferencing, the Prime Minister flagged off the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Express, expressing his confidence in India’s unstoppable advancement likening it to the speed of the high-speed train itself. “The world is watching India with great hope. People want to come to India, see India, and understand the essence of India. In such a situation, there are excellent opportunities for states like Uttarakhand. The Vande Bharat Express will assist Uttarakhand in making the most of these opportunities,” stated Prime Minister Modi. The Prime Minister proudly mentioned the transformation of Indian railways, which has made the dream of high-speed trains a reality. He also affirmed that Devbhoomi Uttarakhand, known as the “Land of the Gods,” will soon become a centre of spiritual consciousness for the entire world. PM Modi highlighted the rapid progress of the Char Dham Grand Project, a significant initiative costing Rs 12,000 crore. He commended the efforts to develop Uttarakhand’s infrastructure in line with future demands. Since 2014, the Indian railways have witnessed a remarkable transformation, with electrification of 6000 km of railway lines annually, compared to only 600 km before that time. The Prime Minister credited the government’s dedication to making high-speed trains a reality and congratulated the people of Uttarakhand for the improved connectivity between the state and the nation’s capital.
“Delighted to flag off the Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat Express. It will ensure ‘Ease of Travel’ as well as greater comfort for the citizens,” tweeted the Prime Minister. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav expressed gratitude to PM Modi and announced an allocation of Rs 5000 crore for railway development in Uttarakhand. He acknowledged the Prime Minister’s unwavering support, as the central government had contributed only Rs 187 crore for railway development in Uttarakhand before 2014. The indigenously built Vande Bharat Express boasts advanced safety features, including the Kavach technology, ensuring a secure travel experience. With world-class amenities, the train ushers in a new era of comfortable travel, particularly benefiting tourists visiting Uttarakhand. An official statement released by the Indian Railways highlighted their commitment to electrifying rail routes across the nation, aligning with the Prime Minister’s vision of providing cleaner means of public transport. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s address during the Vande Bharat Express inauguration showcased India’s progress, the immense potential of Uttarakhand, and the government’s commitment to transforming the nation’s infrastructure and connectivity.
