Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat Express from Dehradun to Delhi via video conferencing. During the event, he also declared Uttarakhand as a 100% electric traction state and dedicated newly electrified rail sections to the nation.
In his address, the Prime Minister congratulated the people of Uttarakhand on the launch of the Vande Bharat Express, stating that the train would connect the nation’s capital to the Dev Bhoomi (Land of Gods). He highlighted that the travel time between Dehradun and Delhi would be further reduced, and the onboard facilities would enhance the travel experience.
The Prime Minister emphasized the world’s high expectations from India and mentioned his recent three-nation tour to Japan, Papua New Guinea, and Australia. He highlighted India’s role as a ray of hope for strengthening the economy and fighting poverty globally. He also spoke about India’s efforts in tackling the COVID-19 pandemic and conducting the world’s largest vaccination campaign.
The Prime Minister encouraged states like Uttarakhand to leverage the current situation, where people from around the world want to visit India. He mentioned the significant number of pilgrims visiting Uttarakhand for the Char Dham Yatra, Kedarnath, Kumbh/Ardh Kumbh at Haridwar, and Kanwar Yatra. He stated that the “double engine government” is working with double power and speed to make the tasks associated with these events easier.
The Prime Minister outlined nine key development initiatives, including rejuvenation work at Kedarnath-Badrinath Dham, ropeway projects, temple renovation, promotion of homestays, ecotourism development, expansion of health services, Tehri Lake Development Project, development of Haridwar Rishikesh as a capital of Yoga and adventure tourism, and the Tanakpur Bageshwar Rail Line.
He highlighted the importance of infrastructure development and how the government has prioritized it since 2014. The Prime Minister mentioned the significant progress made in electrifying rail lines, with more than 90% of the country’s railway network being electrified. He specifically mentioned that Uttarakhand has achieved 100% electrification of its entire rail network.
The Prime Minister emphasized the government’s commitment to the development of Uttarakhand, stating that rapid development in the state would contribute to the overall development of India. He concluded by saying that the country is moving forward at the speed of Vande Bharat and will continue to progress.
In addition to the Vande Bharat Express, the Prime Minister dedicated the newly electrified rail line sections in Uttarakhand. This milestone achievement will increase train speeds and enhance the haulage capacity of trains running on electric traction, aligning with the vision of providing cleaner means of public transport.
The Vande Bharat Express is equipped with advanced safety features, including the Kavach technology, and is aimed at providing a comfortable travel experience, particularly for tourists visiting Uttarakhand. The train will cover the distance between Dehradun and Delhi in approximately 4.5 hours.
