PM Modi flags off South’s first Vande Bharat Express on Chennai-Mysuru route

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off Chennai-Mysuru Vande Bharat Express at the Kranthiveera Sangolli Rayanna (KSR) Railway Station in Bengaluru.

This is the first Vande Bharat Express train launched in South India which now takes the total number of these semi high-speed trains to five in the country.

The train connects Mysuru and Chennai via Bengaluru.

“The train will enhance connectivity between the industrial hub of Chennai and the Tech and Startup hub of Bengaluru and the famous tourist city of Mysuru,” the PMO said.

PM Modi also unveiled the “Statue of Prosperity,” the 108 feet tall bronze statue of Bengaluru founder Nadaprabhu Kempegowda.

The Prime Minister said the will inspire Indians to build their identity globally as leaders.

Hailing the contribution of Karnataka to the country’s development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Bengaluru city represents the country’s start-up spirit which has placed India in a separate league.

He said today is the big day for Karnataka as it gets Vande Bharat Express, Bharat Gaurav Kashi Yatra train and a world-class airport terminal.

“Today, Karnataka got its first Vande Bharat Express train. Along with that, a new terminal at Bengaluru airport was inaugurated which was the requirement of the people of Bengaluru,” said PM Modi.

“Today’s event is an example of our Yuva’s spirit. The Vande Bharat train flagged off today is a glimpse of New India’s identity,” he said.

He said that a startup is not only an organisation, it is the faith and ambition to achieve greater heights in the progress of a nation.

The Prime Minister said India is known all over the world for its startups and Bengaluru plays a vital role in getting India established as a startup hub.

“Bengaluru represents the ‘Start-up’ spirit. Across the world, India is known for its start-ups. Karnataka is also getting benefitted from the investment happening in the country,” PM Modi said.

PM Modi said that the Vande Bharat Express is a symbol that India has now left the days of stagnation behind.

“India is modernizing and beautifying its railway stations. Our aim is to make more modern railway stations, develop the infrastructure for better connectivity. The increase in the number of airports also increases the potential of the youth of the country. It gives rise to the employment opportunities,” he said.

He further said that connectivity will play a crucial role in India’s development and creating air connectivity and new airports is the need of the hour.

Earlier in the day, he also inaugurated the Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport at Bengaluru.

With the inauguration of T2, passenger handling capacity as well as counters for check-in and immigration will double, helping the people immensely.

Built at a cost of around Rs 5,000 crore, Terminal 2 will be able to handle around 5-6 crore passengers from the current capacity of 2.5 crore annually.

The Prime Minister paid floral tributes to the statues of saint poet Kanakadasa and Maharshi Valmiki at Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

The Prime Minister also flagged off Bharat Gaurav Kashi Darshan Train at KSR railway station in Bengaluru.

Karnataka is the first state to take up this train under the Bharat Gaurav scheme in which the Government of Karnataka and the Ministry of Railways are working together to send pilgrims from Karnataka to Kashi.

“The pilgrims will be provided with comfortable stay and guidance for visiting Kashi, Ayodhya and Prayagraj,” the PMO said.

The Prime Minister paid floral tributes to the statues of saint poet Kanakadasa and Maharshi Valmiki at the Vidhana Soudha in Bengaluru.

PM Modi will also inaugurate Terminal 2 of Kempegowda International Airport. At around noon, he will unveil a 108-foot bronze statue of Nadaprabhu Kempegowda.