Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Semi Express train virtually through video conferencing from Rani Kamalapati Station, Bhopal for its maiden journey from Margao to Mumbai today. Governor, Shri P S Sreedharan Pillai; Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant; Union Minister of State for Ports, Shipping, Waterways and Tourism, Shri Shripad Naik; Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan Khaunte; Civil Supply Minister, Maharashtra, Shri Ravindra Chavan; Member of Parliament, Shri Vinay Tendulkar; MLA, Shri Digamber Kamat were present at the Margao railway station for this inaugural run of the train.
PM also flagged off other four Vande Bharat Express trains including Dharwad-Bengluru, Ranchi-Patana, Kamlapati-Jabalpur, and Rani Kamalapati-Indore Vande Bharat Express trains. After Flag off of today’s five trains Vande Bharat reached all rail electrified states of the country.
Speaking on the occasion Chief Minister, Dr Pramod Sawant said, Vande Bharat is a revolution in Indian Railways. Goa is connected with all four modes of transport and it’s a positive point for States overall development. Dr Sawant asserting that direct connectivity with 20 more cities of the Country from Dabolim Airport started after commencement of Mopa Airport and said Mopa as well as Dabolim Airport will remain functional always. Further he said that in comming days not a single city will remain directly unconnected from States Airport. Mormugao Port Trust connectivity with the National Highway will be completed in near future. Government is trying to start Tourism activity on a large scale at the Marmugao Port Trust. he said.
Speaking further Dr Sawant said, initially Vande Bharat train will take eight hours for Madgaon-Mumbai journey but after double tracking of the route this time will come down to five hours. Goa will be benefited largely with Vande Bharat train Dr Sawant said.
Stating that Margao Railway Station is a major station and gateway for Goa and South India Dr Sawant said this station will be a five star railway station with all modern amenities within four years. Goa State Infrastructure Development Corporation has already taken up work of State road infront of the station and beautification of the area.
Goans should also be benefited with Railway connectivity within the State on a large scale on the route from Collem to Vasco and Cancona to Pernem, Dr Sawant said. Proposal of Mopa Airport connectivity with Pernem Railway station and from there to neighbouring states Maharashtra and Karnataka is under process, he said.
Indian Railways have a central road in connecting our nation and truly it’s a lifeline of our progress, he said. Indian Railways gives connectivity to the common man of the country from Kanyakumari to Kashmir and every nook and corners of the country he said.
Shir Shripad Naik said, this day will always be remembered in Goas history concerning the development of the State with the start of Vande Bharat train. Union Government and State Government is working tirelessly to take forward the development policy of the nation. Sleeper coaches will also be added to the Vande Bharat train soon as declared by Railway Ministry Shri Naik said.
Tourism Minister, Shri Rohan Khaunte said after Mopa Airport, New Zuari bridge and highway and now with Vande Bharat Train Goa has good connectivity and accessibility. Prime Minister is on a mission to connect the whole country with the best mode of transport under the Dekho Apna Desh initiative. He said Vande Bharat train is totally controlled by software, givingg the clear message of sustainability.
Minister, Shri Ravindra Chavan said, Vande Bharat Train will give a memorable experience to travellers with all facilities.
MLA, Shri Ulhas Tuyekar, Chief Secretary, Shri Puneet Kumar Goel, IAS; Chairperson and councillors of Margao Municipal Council, officials of the Konkan Railway, Indian Railways, Railway Protection Force, Goa Police were among the other prominent personalities present on the occasion.
The eight-coach air-conditioned semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express is expected to cover the distance between Margao and Mumbai in about eight hours though the train had covered the distance in seven hours during the trial runs. This train is capable of running at the top speed of 180 kmph. This is an electric multiple-unit train operated by Indian Railways. Similar to Shatabdi Express, these are day train services that connect major Indian cities which are in a distance of less than a day’s time.
Vande Bharat Express will make two halts at Goa, including Thivim and Margao. The train has aerodynamically designed coaches with automatic doors, on-board Wi-Fi, GPS-based passenger information system, bio-vacuum toilets, and improved seating arrangements for enhanced comfort. The train also has regenerative braking systems, which can save up to 30% of energy.
The railways expects the Vande Bharat Express train to become popular among the frequent travellers on Mumbai-Goa route, particularly from Konkan Region, which witnesses heavy rush throughout the year.
