New Delhi : In a major boost to rail connectivity and passenger comfort, the Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday virtually flagged the first Vande Bharat train reaching Uttarakhand- which will run between Delhi and Dehradun.
The Delhi-Dehradun Vande Bharat will be the 17th running train service in the Vande Bharat network, marking a significant progress towards the improvement of the country’s railway network and the enhancement of passenger experiences.
Equipped with state-of-the-art amenities for passengers, the first such train will start its regular runs from May 29 and reduces the journey time between Dehradun and the national capital to four-and-45 minutes from the six hours and 10 minutes it takes on the Shatabdi Express. “The New train, covering 302 kilometers and will run all days of the week except Wednesday,” the official said.
“Tickets from Delhi to Dehradun in the AC chair car will cost Rs 1,065 and Rs 1,890 in the executive chair car,” he added.
“This train, which was designed and manufactured entirely in India, boasts several notable features that set it apart from traditional trains. Equipped with modern amenities and advanced technologies, the Dehradun Vande Bharat Train ensures a comfortable journey for its passengers. The train’s aerodynamically-designed exterior not only enhances its aesthetic appeal but also contributes to its speed and efficiency,” official said.
The 22457 Delhi (Anand Vihar) to Dehradun will depart from Anand Vihar railway station at 17:50 and reach Dehradun at 22:35. It will make halts at Meerut City, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur, Roorkee, Haridwar.
“The Dehradun Vande Bharat Train offers high-speed connectivity, allowing passengers to reach their destinations in reduced travel times. With a maximum operational speed of 180 km/h, the train ensures swift and efficient transportation, cutting down the travel time between Dehradun and major cities by a significant margin,” the official said.
“The train also prioritizes passenger safety with its advanced security features. CCTV cameras are installed both inside and outside the train, enhancing surveillance and ensuring a secure environment for all travelers. Additionally, emergency communication systems and fire detection systems have been incorporated, guaranteeing prompt assistance in case of any unforeseen circumstances,” he added.
“Global tourists want to visit India to see the country and understand it. This is a great opportunity for Uttarakhand,” the prime minister said at the launch.
Addressing the flag-off ceremony, Modi said he just returned from a tri-nation tour and can say that the whole world looks towards India with great hope.
“The world appreciates the way India has strengthened its economy over the past few years despite various challenges,” he added.
The prime minister also mentioned various road and rail projects undertaken in Uttarakhand by the BJP’s “double-engine government” to boost connectivity.
During the virtually inauguration of the Vande Bharat route, the Prime Minister also unveiled newly electrified sections of rail lines in the state. With the new sections included, Uttarakhand’s entire rail route is now 100% electrified, the release said.
