Vande Bharat Train Launch: Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four trains at the Vikas Bharat Sankalp Yatra in Varanasi, including the second Vande Bharat train between Varanasi and New Delhi, on Monday. The latest Vande Bharat train will have a host of features, including plush interiors, bio-vacuum toilets with touch-free conveniences, diffused LED lighting and charging points beneath every seat, among others.






PM Modi, addressing the gathering in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi, outlined the four key segments his government aims to empower. During the event where he launched development projects worth over Rs 19,000 crore, the Prime Minister reiterated his commitment to transform India into the third-largest economic superpower during his third term in office.


Modi emphasised the significance of developing "women power, youth power, farmers, and the poor" for the progress of the nation. He referred to these groups as the essential "castes" deserving government focus. "For me, women, youth, farmers, and the poor are the biggest castes. If these four castes are empowered, then the entire country will be empowered," he asserted, as quoted by PTI.


The Prime Minister reflected on the "neglect" Purvanchal endured for decades and assured the audience that, with the blessings of Mahadev, he is dedicated to serving the region. Modi, looking ahead to the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, assured the nation that in his third term, he would propel Bharat into becoming the third-largest economic superpower globally.


Referring to the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra, Modi highlighted its success and its role in reaching thousands of villages and cities. He stated, "It is our endeavour that no beneficiary should be deprived of whatever schemes for public welfare have been launched by the government of India."


“Modi Ki Guarantee Ki Gadi is a super hit as government is trying to reach the citizens, not the other way round,” he remarked.


PM Modi acknowledged Banas Dairy's investment in a modern dairy plant, stating it would benefit farmers in Varanasi. He congratulated the city for creating a Guinness world record for lighting the most number of 'diyas' during Dev Deepavali. He expressed pride in the accomplishments of Kashi's citizens and emphasised the positive impact of tourism on job creation.


“UP prospers when Kashi prospers, and the country prospers when UP prospers,” he remarked. The Prime Minister also said, “Kashi along with the entire country is committed to the resolve of Viksit Bharat.”


He reminded the public of his call to visit 15 domestic destinations before planning international travel and commended the growing interest in domestic tourism. He outlined steps taken to enhance tourism facilities, including the Unified Tourist Pass System and the launch of the 'Kashi' website.


The inaugural run of the train began from Varanasi to New Delhi. Ahead of the inauguration, the Northern Railway said that the train has multiple new features Wi-Fi infotainment, GPS-based passenger information system. The Northern Railway said tht the new train also has better heat ventilation and air-conditioning system. 


"This is the second saffron colour Vande Bharat train which the Railway Ministry is going to launch in the country," PTI quoted a source in the Railway Ministry as saying. Along with a press statement, the Northern Railway also shared a photo of the train in saffron colour.


Besides, the NR said: "The train has superior passenger amenities such as onboard Wi-Fi infotainment, GPS-based passenger information system, plush interiors, bio-vacuum toilets with touch-free conveniences, diffused LED lighting, charging points beneath every seat, individual touch-based reading lights and concealed roller blinds," as quoted by PTI.


"It has better heat ventilation and air-conditioning system with UV lamp for germ-free supply of air. The intelligent air-conditioning system adjusts the cooling according to the climate conditions/occupancy," the statement said.


It is pertinent to mention that in normal course, the train will start at 6:00 am from Varanasi to New Delhi for six days a week except on Tuesday. The train will reach New Delhi at 2:05 pm and depart for Varanasi after 55 minutes at 3:00 pm. It will reach its destination station at 11:05 pm.