Vande Bharat shows India wants the best of everything’
PRIME MINISTER MODI FLAGS OFF TRAIN CONNECTING SECUNDERABAD WITH VISAKHAPATNAM
Highlighting the Centre’s thrust on connectivity and infrastructure development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi yesterday said the Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of the resolve and potential of New India and shows that the country seeks the best in everything.
Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express, connecting Secunderabad with Visakhapatnam, yesterday via video conferencing. This is the eighth Vande Bharat to be launched by the Indian Railways.
The Prime Minister said: “Glad to flag off Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam. It will enhance ‘Ease of Living’, boost tourism and benefit the economy. In this festive environment, it is a gift for the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.”
He said in a way, it will connect the shared culture and heritage of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.
Glad to flag off Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam. It will enhance ‘Ease of Living’, boost tourism and benefit the economy.”
Narendra Modi | Prime Minister
Self reliance
PM Modi said, “Vande Bharat Express signifies that India wants the best of everything. The Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of the resolve and potential of New India. It is a symbol of that India which wants to give better facilities to all its citizens. This is a symbol of an India which is heading toward self-reliance after coming out of its colonial mindset.”
Connectivity-related infrastructure, the PM said, not only connects two places but also connects dreams to reality. It connects manufacturing to the market and talent to the platform, he added.
Modi also paid tribute to soldiers and ex-servicemen on the occasion of Army Day.
He said the Indian Army is known for its bravery and professionalism. “It is also Army Day today. Every Indian is proud of the Army. Indian Army’s contribution towards the security of the nation and its borders, its valour is unparalleled,” added Modi.
‘An outstanding train’
The Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy were present on Platform No. 10 of Secunderabad railway station from where the train was flagged off.
The Railways Minister said, “Vande Bharat is an outstanding train. It can travel 0-100 km in 52 seconds, whereas other trains in the world take 54 to 60 seconds. The designs of Vande Bharat are even better than that of an aeroplane, it can provide most comfortable travelling.”
He said the development of the nation and Railways is above politics.
“PM Modi is giving Telangana Rs3.5 trillion. We must use this opportunity and develop railways in Telangana in the best possible way,” Vaishnaw said. He said the Secunderabad station will be developed into a world-class station.
“PM Modi has sanctioned Rs7.2 billion for this station along with that 35 other stations in Telangana will be developed,” added the Railway Minister.