Vande Bharat Sleeper begins journey as Yogi, Vaishnav launch new rail services
Varanasi, October 31: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav on Saturday flagged off the Varanasi-New Delhi Vande Bharat Sleeper, Banaras-Prayagraj-Rambagh and Varanasi City-Rajatalab trains, inspected onboard facilities, interacted with schoolchildren and the loco pilot, while a child presented a painting of the train to the leaders and the Chief Minister distributed chocolates among the children during the event.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath congratulated the people of Kashi on getting the facility of three trains before Diwali and Chhath. Recounting the past, the Chief Minister said that while assurances were once given, the common man now receives gift after gift.
Chief Minister Yogi said that a New India is being witnessed under the Prime Minister’s visionary leadership. Today is the 151st birth anniversary of Vallabhbhai Patel, the Iron Man and architect of a united India. Patel played a vital role in the creation of a united India by integrating 563 princely states into the Republic of India. Similarly, Indian Railways is fulfilling the dreams of freedom fighters and national heroes by uniting the entire country from north to south and east to west.
Chief Minister Yogi said that Ashwini Vaishnav has modernized the railways, the mode of transport for the poor, the elderly, and the common Indian. We are witnessing a changing railway system in a changing India. Uttar Pradesh was once half broad gauge, and half meter gauge. We used to raise the issue in Parliament, but like date after date, we only got assurance after assurance. Today, all the lines in UP are broad gauge and are electrified.
Yogi said that the distance from Kashi to Delhi used to be covered in 13-14 hours by rail, but this Vande Bharat Sleeper Train equipped with state-of-the-art facilities will reach in just 8-9 hours, thereby saving labour and time. The CM said that on 15 February 2019, PM Modi had inaugurated the country’s first Vande Bharat train from Delhi to Varanasi. We used to travel in chair cars, but today the sleeper train is being inaugurated.
CM Yogi stated that the Vande Bharat Sleeper train journey, connecting India’s spiritual capital, Kashi, with the national capital, Delhi, will be a pleasant and auspicious one. Railways play a crucial role in public transportation in Kashi. The MEMU service to Rajatalab in Kashi will provide excellent convenience to local residents. Farmers, youth, lawyers, businessmen, and everyone can travel for a month for just 95 rupees. Kashi and Prayagraj, India’s spiritual and cultural cities, are being launched. A one-month journey will cost just 220 rupees. The cost of a month’s travel here is equivalent to what a person spends on tea and snacks and personal expenses in a single day. This is an innovative initiative to connect two spiritual cities, serving millions of devotees, litigants, thousands of lawyers, and students. Indian Railways has grown rapidly with new infrastructure.
Chief Minister noted that unmanned level crossings were once a challenge. Frequent collisions between trains and freight trains resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives. Animals used to get caught in the crosswalks, but now every such crossing has an underpass or railway overbridge. This initiative is an example of public concern and also saves travel time.
He stated that the 1000 km Eastern Dedicated Freight Corridor is being constructed in Uttar Pradesh. This has provided a separate line for freight trains. Previously, freight trains took several days to reach Kashi from Kolkata. Previously, goods and raw materials would often get spoiled. Now, with a separate line, goods arrive safely and on time. The speed of trains and freight trains has increased, and distances have decreased.
Chief Minister stated that a plan for a bullet train between Delhi and Varanasi has been developed. This will cover the distance from Delhi to Varanasi in 3.5 hours, making it simpler, easier, and cheaper than traveling by plane. Kashi now has a state-of-the-art railway station. The railway station will reflect the essence of Kashi. 157 railway stations in Uttar Pradesh have been modernized, making them feel like they belong in the VIP lounge of an airport.
Chief Minister alleged that those who lived in filth had given them a dirty appearance. Those who disliked development did not prioritize it. The impact of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan is visible everywhere. Previously, the railway tracks were filthy and stinking. Today, railway stations and coaches have modern toilets, and the tracks are clean. Cleanliness is maintained everywhere.
Chief Minister clarified that our government has a clear intention, a clear policy, and a vision to move forward with determination.
CM also highlighted the development of Kashi. He said that modern facilities, new rail connectivity, services, roads, and airports are being expanded here. Efforts are being made to develop the Kashi Vishwanath Dham and other pilgrimage sites. Kashi was once known for its ghats, but now they too are now rejuvenated.
CM recalled that PM Modi visited Kashi on October 25th. 2.5 million people from Kashi and surrounding areas witnessed the vision of a new India at the airshow at Namo Ghat, demonstrating the goal of self-reliance of India’s defense forces.
CM said that if there is a will to do something, every task can become easier. The positive results of the PM’s decision to expand with wheel power are visible in every sector. Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya also joined virtually from Prayagraj on this occasion.
