The buzz around the Indian Railways has reached a crescendo with the latest announcement of the expansion of the Vande Bharat Express train network. September 24th promises to be a historic day, as nine more of these trains are scheduled to be flagged off by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The notable feature? The launch ceremony will leverage the power of technology, with the Prime Minister initiating the flag-off through a virtual medium.
The Vande Bharat Express, a gem in India’s crown of railway transportation, has already carved a niche in the hearts of the Indian populace. Currently, there are 23 Vande Bharat trains smoothly cutting across the length and breadth of the country, ensuring that all states, barring the North-Eastern ones, are seamlessly connected.
A nostalgic look back reminds us that the first of these trains made its debut journey from the nation’s capital, New Delhi, to Kashi, a city deeply resonant with the spiritual essence of India and the abode of Lord Shiva.
As the launch day approaches, plans are being solidified for the newly inaugurated trains. The newly announced routes promise to further connect significant cities and cultural hubs across the country. The following routes have been confirmed:
- Kasaragod to Trivandrum
- Jaipur to Udaipur
- Patna to Howrah
- Ranchi to Howrah
- Hyderabad to Bengaluru
- Chennai to Tirunelveli
- Indore to Jaipur
- Puri to Rourkela
- Vijayawada to Chennai
- Jamnagar to Ahmedabad
Interestingly, the 18th Vande Bharat train was launched between New Jalpaiguri and Guwahati. This expansion has taken the total count to a whopping 35 Vande Bharat Expresses, enhancing the railway connectivity and encapsulating the spirit of a forward-moving India.
As September 24th inches closer, the anticipation intensifies. With Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to virtually flag off the new fleet, the event promises to be more than just a routine launch. It’s a testament to India’s technological advancements, infrastructure growth, and the government’s commitment to ensuring enhanced connectivity for its citizens. The Vande Bharat Expresses, in many ways, are not just trains but symbols of a nation on the move.
