PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat Exp between Puri-Howrah

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  • 1st Vande Bharat Express for the people of Odisa
  • Projects worth Rs.8,216 crores for Odisa

Kolkata: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the 1st Vande Bharat Express for the people of Odisa, laid foundation stone for the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack Railway Stations, inaugurated Bichhupali­- Jhartarbha New line, dedicated Sambalpur-Titlagarh doubling, Angul-Sukinda New line, Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga 3rd line and 100% electrification of railway lines in Odisa to the nation through vedio conferencing from New Delhi in a function held at Puri railway station on Thursday, 18th May, 2023.

The cost of all these projects is worth Rs.8,216 crores and more. This is a significant step towards fulfilling the hopes and aspirations of the people of Odisa.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that the people of Odisa and West Bengal are being presented the Vande Bharat Express today which is a symbol of modern and aspirational India. “India’s speed and progress can be seen whenever a Vande Bharat Train runs from one place to another”, the Prime Minister said. the Prime Minister informed that the travel time will now be reduced to only six and half hours, thereby saving time, giving rise to business opportunities and providing new opportunities for the youth.

While speaking on the occasion Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, said that double engine is highly essential for the development of the state. As the same is very helpful for the growth of the state. He also added that Sonepur district has been connected for the first time in the railway map of Odisa. And Central government is giving much needed impetus for the growth of Odisa under the able leadership of Prime Minister.

While speaking on the occasion Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communication and Electronics & Information Technology, said that Central government fund allocation for the development of railway network in Odisa was very meagre but it has steadily increased to ₹10,000 crore in the current financial year by the present government in Centre which is boosting the rapid growth of railway network in Odisa. Earlier there was only 50 kms of rail lines laid in the state which has now increased to record 452 kms this year.

Railway Minister further added that 57 stations in Odisa is being redeveloped into world class stations. He also said that Central government is looking into running the 2nd ‘Vande Bharat Express’ connecting Puri-Bhubaneswar-Cuttak-Rourkela-Jaharsuguda-Talcher-Angul and also consider running the ‘Vande Metro’ services connecting cities Puri-Bhubaneswar-Cuttack in Odisa after its successful launch.

He also said that apart from railways, central government under the leadership of Prime Minister has allocated a whooping ₹5,600 crores for the development of telecom sector in Odisa. This will provide world class telecom and internet connectivity in the state.

This premium service offers the fastest rail connectivity between Puri-Howrah and will run six days a week except Thursday. Introduction of the Vande Bharat Express, between Puri-Kolkatta (Howrah)-Puri boost the tourism sector of Odisa which has an abundance of tourist attractions. This will also promote art and craft sectors in the region and provide much needed thrust to the local economy.

Dedication of doubling between Sambalpur and Titlagarh for 182 km, at a cost of ₹2,618 crore cater to the increased traffic demands as a result of rapid industrial development in steel, power & mining sectors in the Western part of Odisa. Likewise, the new broad gauge rail line between Angul-Sukinda for 104 km. laid at a cost of Rs.2,441 crore will further boost the rapid industrial development of Odisa.

Construction of 3rd Line between Manoharpur-Rourkela-Jharsuguda-Jamga for 184 km, at a cost of ₹2,542 crore will relief to the Mega Green Field Power and Steel Plants of Odisa. Similarly, inauguration of the new broad-gauge line between Bichhupali- Jhartarbha is an important milestone in the ongoing Khurda-Bolangir rail line project.

The redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway station at a combined cost of about Rs.465 crores shall benefit the train passengers with its modern amenities and services. Dedication of 100% electrification of the rail network in the state of Odisha is another milestone achievement in the rail development of Odisa.

Professor Ganeshi Lal, Governor of Odisa, Naveen Patnaik, Chief Minister of Odisa, Dharmendra Pradhan, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development & Entrepreneurship, Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of Railways, Communication and Electronics & Information Technology and MLA of Puri graced the function at Puri.