Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Assam's first Vande Bharat Express on Monday, connecting Guwahati with New Jalpaiguri via video conferencing. The train journey is expected to take approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes. Additionally, the Prime Minister dedicated 182 kilometers of newly electrified railway sections and inaugurated a new DEMU/MEMU shed in Lumding, Assam.
PM highlights significance of development projects
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Modi expressed the significance of the day for Northeast connectivity, as three major development projects were being accomplished simultaneously. He highlighted that the introduction of the Vande Bharat Express in the region, electrification of railway tracks in Assam and Meghalaya, and the inauguration of the DEMU/MEMU shed in Lumding would greatly benefit the citizens of the entire Northeast, as well as Assam, Meghalaya, and West Bengal.
Emphasizing the impact of the Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat train, the Prime Minister stated that it would strengthen the historical ties between Assam and West Bengal. The improved connectivity is expected to facilitate travel, benefit students, create job opportunities in tourism and business, and enhance tourism in popular destinations such as the Maa Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga, Manas National Park, Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary, Shillong, Cherrapunji, Tawang, and Pasighat.
PM Modi speaks on transformative development across country
Reflecting on the achievements of the NDA government in the past nine years, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the transformative development taking place across the country. He mentioned the newly inaugurated Parliament House and emphasized the government's focus on the welfare of the poor. The Prime Minister cited various initiatives, including housing, sanitation, water, electricity, healthcare, and infrastructure development, which have contributed to improving the lives of the underprivileged sections of society.
Furthermore, Prime Minister Modi emphasized that infrastructure development benefits everyone without discrimination and is a form of social justice and secularism. He praised the Eastern and Northeastern states as the major beneficiaries of the government's infrastructure push, noting that these regions were previously deprived of basic facilities. The Prime Minister underscored the government's commitment to connecting the capital cities of Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Sikkim with the rest of the country through broad gauge networks, with significant investments allocated for these projects.
PM Modi lauds pace of development
The Prime Minister commended the rapid pace of development in the Northeast, including the expansion of rail connectivity. He highlighted the doubling of rail lines and the connection of remote areas that were previously inaccessible. Prime Minister Modi also mentioned the introduction of Vande Bharat Semi High-speed trains and Tejas Express, as well as the popular Vista Dome coaches, which have become tourist attractions.
Additionally, the Prime Minister emphasized the Indian Railways' role in connecting people, fostering social harmony, and providing opportunities. He cited initiatives such as the first transgender tea stall at Guwahati Railway Station, the 'One Station, One Product' scheme supporting local artisans, and the provision of Wi-Fi facilities at numerous stations in the Northeast. Prime Minister Modi stated that the combination of sensitivity and speed is vital for the region's progress and India's overall development.
Overall, the inauguration of Assam's first Vande Bharat Express, along with the electrification of railway tracks and the establishment of the DEMU/MEMU shed, marks a significant milestone in enhancing connectivity, promoting tourism, and driving development in the Northeastern region of India.
