
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the Vande Bharat Express virtually on Tuesday, amidst considerable excitement, marking its maiden journey between Visakhapatnam and Bhubaneswar. This particular Vande Bharat Express is noteworthy for its coverage of North Andhra districts, including Vizianagaram and Srikakulam, extending the reach of this high-speed train network.
With the addition of this new route, the total count of Vande Bharat trains operating from Visakhapatnam rises to three. Notably, an existing Vande Bharat Express has been operational between Visakhapatnam and Secunderabad since its launch in January 2023.
The inauguration ceremony, led by the Prime Minister, also featured the launch of ten additional Vande Bharat trains from Ahmedabad, starting at 9:15 am. Later in the day, another Vande Bharat Express from Secunderabad received a warm welcome upon its arrival at the railway station, marking the significance of this expansion in the region.
Various dignitaries participated in the inaugural events across different locations. Governor Abdul Nazeer, accompanied by South Central Railway’s additional general manager R Dhananjayulu, graced the ceremony at Eluru, while Visakhapatnam Divisional Railway Manager Saurabh Prasad attended the event at the Vizag railway station. Member of Parliament K Rammohan Naidu received the train at Srikakulam Road railway station.
DRM Saurabh Prasad expressed delight over the addition of two more Vande Bharat trains to Visakhapatnam’s connectivity, one heading to Bhubaneswar and the other to Secunderabad.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi also dedicated several completed railway projects, including doubling projects, third line projects, goods sheds, and One Station One Product (OSOP) stalls across different divisions, highlighting the government’s commitment to enhancing railway infrastructure and connectivity.
In addition to inaugurating various railway projects, the Prime Minister also unveiled upgraded goods sheds, OSOP stalls, and a coach restaurant at Guntur station in the Guntur Division.
The event also marked the inauguration of four railway line doubling projects in the Guntur Division, along with the introduction of Gati Shakti terminals, OSOP stalls, and a coach restaurant at Guntur station, aimed at bolstering railway infrastructure and services in the region.
The grand welcome received by the Vande Bharat Express at various railway stations, including Vijayawada, underscores the enthusiasm and anticipation surrounding the expansion of high-speed train services in the area. School children, dressed as iconic freedom fighters, joined students, the public, and officials in welcoming the Vande Bharat train with great fervor.
Simultaneously, festivities were held at 18 other locations, showcasing widespread community involvement and support for the enhanced railway services.
Regular services for the Visakhapatnam-Bhubaneswar Vande Bharat Express (20841/42) will commence from March 17, while regular services for the Secunderabad-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express (20707/08) will begin from March 13.