- First Vande Bharat Express From Secunderabad To Visakhapatnam
- A gift for the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Sankranti
Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble Prime Minister flagged off the first Vande Bharat Express from Secunderabad to Visakhapatnam through remote video link from Secunderabad Railway station today i.e., 15th January, 2023. Dr. Tamilisai Soundarajan, Hon’ble Governor, Telangana State; Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Minister of Culture, Tourism and Development, North Eastern Region, Govt of India, Shri Mahmood Ali, Hon’ble Minister for Home and Prisons, Telangana State; Shri T. Srinivas Yadav, Hon’ble Minister for Animal Husbandry, Fisheries and Dairy Development, Govt. of Telangana, Dr. K. Laxman, Hon’ble MP, Rajya Sabha, Shri Bandi Sanjay Kumar, Hon’ble MP, Karimnagar, Shri Anil Kumar Lahoti, Chairman and CEO, Railway Board; Shri Arun Kumar Jain, General Manager, SCR and other senior Railway officials participated in the program in a function held at Secunderabad Railway Station.
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Narendra Modi stated that the Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad – Visakhapatnam is a gift for the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh on the auspicious occasion of Makar Sankranti. He stated that the new Vande Bharat train will provide faster connectivity for the people of Secunderabad, Warangal, Vijayawada and Visakhapatnam and will also aid in the socio-economic development of the region. In addition, the train will also reduce travelling time between Secunderabad – Visakhapatnam, he said. The Hon’ble Prime Minister stated that the Vande Bharat Express is proof of fast developing India and a true example of Aathma Nirbhar Bharat.
Further, he stated that the speed of connectivity is related to the overall development of the Nation and accordingly the Vande Bharat Express is providing enhanced connectivity to the common man. The Hon’ble Prime Minister stated that the Vande Bharat Abhiyan is developing fast across the Nation. So far, over 40 lakh passengers have travelled in the train, he added.
Shri Narendra Modi informed that Telangana State has also witnessed major rail development in the past 8 years. He informed that the Budget outlay for the year 2022-23 for the state of Telangana is Rs 3,048 Crore which is almost 12 times more as compared to the budget allocation made during the year 2014-15, which is Rs 258 Crore only. He also stated that the Centre has strengthened Rail infrastructure in Andhra Pradesh State. Improved Rail connectivity has paved way for businesses and improved ease of living in the regions, he added.
Dr. Tamilisai Soundarajan, Hon’ble Governor stated that today we are visualizing most modern technology in Indian Railways. She informed that in future, people are going to witness the most modernized train services. She also expressed that local for vocal is visible in Indian Railways too in the form of Vande Bharat Express.
Addressing the gathering, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that this year’s Makar Sankranti brings India’s indigenously designed Semi-High Speed Train – Vande Bharat Express to both the Telugu states to further strengthen the socio-economic bonding between Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. He stated that this is the first state-of-the-art train exclusively for day journey that is available between these two cities and the first Vande Bharat Train in Telugu States. Further, the Hon’ble Railway Minister stated that the Railway budget allocated for Telangana State provides an opportunity to develop Railways in Telangana in a big way. He also stated that Secunderabad station is being redeveloped with world class facilities and ultra modern amenities. In addition, 34 Railway stations across the state of Telangana are going to be redeveloped shortly, he said.
Shri G. Kishan Reddy, Hon’ble Union Minister appreciated the efforts of Indian Railways for bringing the Vande Bharat Express successfully on to the tracks which is the brain child of Indian engineers. He conveyed his special thanks on behalf of both the Telugu states for flagging off the Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam on the auspicious Makar Sankranti day. He also thanked Railway Minister and Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi for giving special focus and thrust to Telangana as well Andhra Pradesh for enhancing the Rail infrastructure and passenger amenities. He stated that in a short span of time Secunderabad station is makeover with world class facilities with a cost of around Rs. 800 cr.
