AMN / WEB DESK
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation stone and dedicate several railway projects worth over 8,000 crore rupees in Odisha via video conferencing. During the event, Mr. Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah.
The train will cover 500 kms distance and pass through Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts in Odisha and Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur districts in West Bengal. The train will provide a faster, comfortable and convenient travel experience to the rail users, boost tourism and promote economic development in the region.
The regular run of the Howrah-Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will commence from May 20. The train will run six days a week. The train will depart Howrah at 6.10 am and reach Puri at 12.35 pm and in the return direction, it will depart Puri at 1.50 pm and arrive at Howrah at 8.30 pm. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister said, Vande Bharat Express has become the symbol of modern India and the aspirations of its people.
He said, Vande Bharat reflects the speed and progress of the country. Mr Modi said Vande Bharat has been made in India with indigenous technology. Prime Minister said the country is developing its own technology and taking the new facilities to the remotest parts of the country. He said infrastructure not only makes the life of people easy but also empowers society.
Mr Modi said, for a faster growth of the country, a balanced development of states is necessary. He said, India continued to maintain its growth rate despite adverse global conditions.
Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations. The redeveloped stations will have all modern amenities providing world-class experience to the rail passengers.
Mr Modi also dedicated 100% electrification of the rail network in Odisha. He also dedicated the doubling of the Sambalpur-Titlagarh rail line; a new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda; the third line connecting Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga and a new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali-Jhartarbha. These will cater to the increased traffic demands as a result of rapid industrial development in the steel, power & mining sectors in Odisha and will also help ease the pressure on passenger traffic in these rail sections.