New Delhi, 31 Aug, 2024: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated three new Vande Bharat Express trains via video conference, marking a significant expansion of India’s semi-high-speed train network. The new routes connect Meerut with Lucknow, Madurai with Bengaluru, and Chennai with Nagercoil.
These additions grow the Vande Bharat fleet to over 100 trains, covering more than 280 districts across the country. Modi highlighted the launch as a key milestone in India’s development journey, noting that the new services will enhance connectivity between major cities.
“Today, we are adding a new chapter from North to South in our nation’s development,” Modi said. “The Vande Bharat trains will now link Meerut with Lucknow, Madurai with Bengaluru, and Chennai with Nagercoil.”
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The Prime Minister also emphasized the importance of these new routes for achieving a “Developed India” and stressed the government’s focus on accelerating growth in southern states. He pointed out that Tamil Nadu’s railway budget has increased over sevenfold since 2014, reflecting the region’s strategic importance.
Key Details of the New Services:
- Chennai Egmore to Nagercoil: This train covers 726 km, departing Chennai Egmore at 5:00 am and arriving in Nagercoil at 1:50 pm. The return journey leaves Nagercoil at 2:20 pm and arrives back in Chennai at 11:00 pm.
- Madurai to Bengaluru Cantonment: Operating six days a week, this service departs Madurai at 5:15 am, reaching Bengaluru Cantonment at 1:00 pm, with stops at cities including Dindigul and Salem. The return train leaves Bengaluru at 1:30 pm and arrives in Madurai at 9:45 pm.
- Meerut City to Lucknow: This is the inaugural Vande Bharat Express for this route, operating six days a week. It departs Meerut City at 6:35 am and reaches Lucknow’s Charbagh station at 1:45 pm, with stops at Moradabad and Bareilly. The return service leaves Lucknow at 2:45 pm and arrives back in Meerut City at 10:00 pm.
The new trains are expected to significantly boost regional connectivity, making travel easier for both business and leisure, and contributing to economic development across these regions.
