PM Modi to Launch Three New Vande Bharat Express Trains: Enhancing Connectivity and Boosting Religious Tourism
On August 31, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to flag off three new Vande Bharat Express trains, aimed at significantly enhancing connectivity across three states: Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. This launch is a part of a broader initiative by the Indian Railways to improve transportation infrastructure and promote religious tourism. The new trains will connect key cities, providing faster and more comfortable travel options for pilgrims and regular commuters alike.
The Vande Bharat Express trains have become a symbol of India’s growing emphasis on modernizing its railway network. These semi-high-speed trains are known for their advanced features, including faster acceleration, modern amenities, and energy efficiency. With the addition of these three new routes, the Vande Bharat network now connects over 280 districts across the country, with more than 100 trains in operation.
The first of the three new routes will connect Chennai Central to Nagercoil. The train, which will operate regularly from Chennai Egmore, will provide daily service except on Wednesdays. The route is expected to significantly benefit pilgrims traveling to the Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and the Kumari Amman Temple in Kanniyakumari. Train No. 20627 will depart from Chennai Egmore at 5:00 AM and reach Nagercoil by 1:50 PM, with several stops along the way, including Tambaram, Villupuram, Tiruchirappalli, Dindugal, Madurai, Kovilpatti, and Tirunelveli. The return journey (Train No. 20628) will leave Nagercoil at 2:20 PM and arrive in Chennai at 11:00 PM.
The second route will link Madurai with Bengaluru Cantonment, running six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. This service will connect the bustling temple city of Madurai with Bengaluru, Karnataka’s cosmopolitan state capital. Train No. 20671 will depart from Madurai at 5:15 AM, arriving at Bengaluru Cantonment by 1:00 PM, with stops at Dindugal, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, and Krishnarajapuram. The return journey (Train No. 20672) will leave Bengaluru at 1:30 PM, reaching Madurai at 9:45 PM.
The third Vande Bharat Express route will connect Meerut City with Lucknow, providing a new travel option for those looking to explore the religious and cultural sites of Uttar Pradesh. This train will begin regular services from Lucknow on Sunday and from Meerut on Monday, operating six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. Train No. 22490 will depart from Meerut City at 6:35 AM, arriving at Lucknow’s Charbagh railway station by 1:45 PM, with stops at Moradabad and Bareilly. The return journey (Train No. 22489) will depart from Charbagh at 2:45 PM, reaching Meerut City by 10:00 PM.
These new Vande Bharat Express trains are expected to not only enhance regional connectivity but also play a crucial role in boosting religious tourism in these areas. The routes have been carefully selected to connect major pilgrimage sites, making it easier for devotees to travel comfortably and quickly. The Indian Railways’ initiative to expand the Vande Bharat network is a testament to the government’s commitment to improving the nation’s infrastructure and providing better services to its citizens.
With the flagging off of these new trains, the Vande Bharat Express network continues to grow, offering faster, more efficient travel options across India. This expansion is part of a broader strategy to modernize the country’s railway system, making it more accessible and convenient for millions of passengers. As these trains begin their journeys, they will not only reduce travel time but also contribute to the cultural and religious richness of the regions they connect.