On Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Visakhapatnam-Bhubaneswar Vande Bharat at the Visakhapatnam railway station. The much-publicized event comes just weeks before the General Elections.
Earlier, the regular commercial run didn't include Bhubaneswar. After many experts raised objections, a change was made. Former Secretary to Government of India, Prasanna Mishra, tweeted, "The Vande Bharat Express between Vizag and Puri omitting Bhubaneswar won't be a prudent arrangement. The service should ideally be between Bhubaneswar and Vizag. If it has to include Puri, it may be through Bhubaneswar even though the route is circuitous."
Besides, the PM also flagged off a weekly train that earlier ran between Ajmer and Delhi Cantt to extend it to Chandigarh.
In related news, the Mysore-Chennai Vande Bharat train was dedicated to the people of Tamil Nadu. The total count of VB expresses in TN has now reached six. "Foundation stone and inauguration of Railway projects worth more than Rs 85,000 Crore across Indian Railways including dedicated freight propelling a faster and eco-friendly transport network. This significant enhancement in railway infrastructure improves connectivity and ensures seamless and comfortable travel and transportation. It reflects the nation's strong commitment to Make In India," the Tamil Nadu Raj Bhavan opined.
