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Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a virtual address, inaugurated six new Vande Bharat trains from Tatanagar in Jharkhand, expanding the Indian Railways fleet and enhancing connectivity on key routes in the eastern region. These modern trains will connect Tatanagar with Patna, Bhagalpur with Dumka and Howrah, Brahmapur with Tatanagar, Gaya with Howrah, Deoghar with Varanasi, and Rourkela with Howrah, significantly improving travel time and convenience for passengers.
The event marked a significant milestone in Jharkhand's development journey, with the state receiving six new Vande Bharat trains, railway projects worth over Rs. 650 crores, enhanced connectivity and travel infrastructure, and thousands of people receiving their own homes under the PM Awas Yojana. PM Modi highlighted the transformative impact of these initiatives, emphasizing the government's commitment to inclusive development under the 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' mantra.
Modi underscored the focus on development for the marginalized sections of society, including tribals, the poor, youth, and women. He noted the substantial increase in railway development funding for Jharkhand, stating that the current budget is 16 times higher than it was 10 years ago. This commitment is also reflected in the ongoing renovation of over 50 railway stations in Jharkhand under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express trains is expected to have a positive impact on various segments of society, including regular travellers, professionals, businesses, and students. The faster and more efficient travel options will boost economic activity, particularly in the eastern region, by facilitating trade and commerce. The improved connectivity will also have a significant impact on religious tourism, with pilgrims gaining faster access to prominent sites such as Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Kashi Vishwanath temple in Varanasi, and Kalighat and Belur Math in Kolkata.
Besides the train flagging-off ceremony, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for and dedicated various railway projects worth over Rs 660 crores to the nation. These projects are expected to further enhance the railway infrastructure and contribute to the overall development of the region. The Indian Railways currently operates over 50 Vande Bharat Express trains, connecting various states with Broad Gauge (B G) electrified networks, signifying a shift towards modern and efficient rail travel across the country.