Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express train between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam, which will cut the travel time between the two cities, on Sunday via video conferencing.
“I am glad to flag off Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam. It will enhance ‘Ease of Living’, boost tourism and benefit the economy. It is a gift for the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh,” PM Modi said on the occasion.
“Vande Bharat Express, in a way, will connect the shared culture and shared heritage of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. The Vande Bharat Express signifies that India wants the best of everything. The Vande Bharat Express is a symbol of the resolve and potential of New India,” PM said.
The Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Culture Minister G Kishan Reddy were present on the platform of the Secunderabad Railway Station from where the train departed.
The train will also stop for passengers at Rajahmundry and Vijayawada stations in Andhra Pradesh and at Khammam, and Warangal in Telangana.
This is the eighth Vande Bharat Express train introduced by Indian Railways.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam, is the first one connecting the Telugu-speaking states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, covering a distance of around 700 km.
The indigenously designed train set of Vande Bharat Express is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities. Railways said that it will provide rail users with a faster, more comfortable and more convenient travel experience.
