Guwahati, May 31: In a momentous occasion for Northeast India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the inaugural journey of the first Vande Bharat Express train on Monday from Guwahati, Assam. This landmark event significantly boosts the state’s tourism and connectivity.
The cutting-edge train will traverse the 411 km distance between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri in an impressive 5 hours and 30 minutes, revolutionizing travel in the region.
Let’s delve into the key features and benefits of this new service:
Reducing Travel Time: The Vande Bharat Express will offer the fastest journey
between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri, covering the distance in just 5 hours and 30
minutes. This significantly reduces the present shortest journey time by the speediest
train, saving commuters valuable time.
Premium Semi-High Speed Train: Vande Bharat Express which has taken off its journey from Assam is the first premium semi-high speed train in the region. It boasts an aesthetically designed exterior and offers a comfortable journey for passengers. With fully air-conditioned coaches and state-of-the-art facilities, this train sets a new standard for travel between Guwahati in Assam and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
Convenient Schedule: Operating six days a week, except on Tuesday, the Guwahati-NJP Vande Bharat Express provides a reliable and frequent service for passengers. This ensures flexibility for various travelers, including IT professionals, businessmen, students, and tourists.
Boost to Connectivity and Tourism: Prime Minister Modi emphasised that the Vande Bharat Express will enhance connectivity, tourism, and socio-economic development in the Northeast. The train serves as a catalyst for boosting tourism in the region, attracting visitors from across the country. It provides a convenient and efficient mode of transportation for tourists exploring the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Assam and West Bengal.
Strategic Stops: The train will make stops at key locations such as Kamakhya, New Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, New Alipurduar, and New Coochbehar before reaching New Jalpaiguri. These stops ensure accessibility for residents and facilitate seamless travel for passengers from various towns and cities.
Expansion of Vande Bharat Express Network: The inauguration of Assam's Vande Bharat Express marks a significant milestone in India’s railway development. With the addition of this train, India now has Vande Bharat Express services operating on 19 routes across the country. This expansion enhances connectivity between major cities and promotes efficient travel.
Passenger Comfort and Capacity: The Vande Bharat Express offers a comfortable and enjoyable journey. The executive chair cars accommodate 52 passengers each, while the normal chair cars have a seating capacity of 78 each. The driving trailer coaches provide seating for 44 passengers. This ensures ample seating capacity to meet the growing demand for travel in the region.
Make in India Initiative: Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal, National Secretary of
Kishan Morcha hailed the introduction of Assam’s first Make in India ‘Vande Bharat
Express.’ This indigenous train manufacturing initiative creates employment opportunities for the people of the North East. It also showcases India’s prowess in developing advanced transportation systems.
The Social Media Buzz: The launch of the first Vande Bharat Express in Assam has generated a wave of excitement and positivity among the public, as evidenced by the numerous tweets expressing gratitude and enthusiasm. These tweets reflect the appreciation for the enhanced connectivity and tourism prospects brought about by this state-of-the-art train.
Let’s explore some of the captivating tweets that capture the public sentiment surrounding this significant development.
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Tweets were made highlighting the time-saving aspect of the Vande Bharat Express, emphasising better connectivity between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri.
The flagging off of the first #VandeBharatExpress by Hon PM Shri @narendramodi Ji is significant for many reasons.
It is a turning point in efforts to modernise North East’s rail network since 2014 — from high speed train connectivity to 400% increase in railway expenditure. 1/2 pic.twitter.com/SzdCjLRwZK
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 29, 2023
I am spellbound after I have learnt about the cutting edge technology being deployed in Vande Bharat trains.
My compliments to Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw ji’s teaching skills, explaining technological marvels with such great ease! pic.twitter.com/i6qgqxL1r5
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 29, 2023
Vande Bharat symbolises an Atmanirbhar Bharat marching towards a Viksit Bharat.
Today, this bandwagon of progress commenced its journey from Assam.@PMOIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw @sarbanandsonwal @RailMinIndia pic.twitter.com/JVvMZ5tM7k
— Himanta Biswa Sarma (@himantabiswa) May 29, 2023
North East gets its first ultra modern train Vande Bharat Express that would save an hour in covering a distance of 411kms from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri than the current run time of 6 hr 30 min.
— Unbigoted Indian (@unbigotedview) May 29, 2023
Congratulations to the people of Assam for getting their first Vande Bharat Express. The train will ensure better connectivity between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri. It will also boost the tourism sector in the North East region of India. Vande Assam ! pic.twitter.com/sjShxVIG4C
— SHIVAM PANDEY INDIAN 🇮🇳 (@IShivamP2) May 29, 2023
Acknowledges the role of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in driving progress in the North-East region, several Twitter users took to the platform:
I convey my sincere thanks & gratitude to our beloved PM Sri Narendra Modi ji for keeping his commitment for the better Railway connectivity to North East & North Bengal by introducing the Vande Bharat Express from Guwahati to NJP WB today.
BJP Jindabad.
Narendra Modi jindabad. pic.twitter.com/jfy9uZ5AGL— Mihir Goswami । মিহির গোস্বামী (@goswamimihircob) May 29, 2023
Thanks to the efforts of @narendramodi , The North-East has progressed well.Vande Bharat Express will boost tourism, in the area, apart from enhancing connectivity.!
— Rukmani Varma 🇮🇳 (@pointponder) May 29, 2023
. @PMOIndia Sh @narendramodi Ji today presented a golden #Gift of its first Make in India 'Vande Bharat Express' to the North East.
Now the people will be easier and the tourism will get a boost. With this project the people of North East States will get employment@AmitShah… pic.twitter.com/IxXuXlgyM5
— Sukhminderpal Singh Grewal (@sukhgrewalbjp) May 29, 2023
However, BJP Youth Leader Vikram Goud did not miss this opportunity to get back at the congress and twitted on the age-old ignorance.
Congress ignored but BJP govt under the leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi ji is tirelessly working to make the North-East part of India developed.
Assam will get its first Vande Bharat express today which will boost tourism not only in Assam but other NE states as well. pic.twitter.com/kbp5BA34SF— Vikram Goud (@VikramGoudBJP) May 29, 2023
The introduction of Assam’s first Vande Bharat Express ushers in a new era of connectivity and tourism in the North East region. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s commitment to providing speed, comfort, and enhanced connectivity is realized through this state-of-the-art train.
As the train network expands across the country, India takes a significant stride toward efficient and convenient travel, promoting economic development and tourism in various regions.