In the wake of a devastating train accident in Odisha that claimed the lives of 288 individuals on June 2, Indian Railways is preparing to launch ‘Vande Bharat’ trains on five additional routes, marking the first resumption of services since the tragic incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the trains remotely via video conferencing, as per sources from the Railway Ministry.
Scheduled to commence operations on June 26, the five new routes for the ‘Vande Bharat’ trains include Mumbai-Goa, Bangalore-Hubli, Patna-Ranchi, Bhopal-Indore, and Bhopal-Jabalpur. Initially, the Railway Ministry had postponed the launch of the Mumbai-Goa ‘Vande Bharat’ train as a mark of respect for the victims of the Odisha tragedy.
It will be a significant milestone as five ‘Vande Bharat’ trains simultaneously embark on their inaugural journeys. While past train launches have been celebrated with great enthusiasm, this event is anticipated to be relatively somber in light of the recent tragedy in Odisha. The authorities are expected to keep the ceremony modest and respectful to honor the lives lost in the accident.
The ‘Vande Bharat Express,’ also known as Train 18, is India’s first semi-high speed train and has gained recognition for its cutting-edge design and advanced features. These trains are equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, including comfortable seating, Wi-Fi connectivity, onboard entertainment, and high-quality catering services, offering passengers a unique and luxurious travel experience.
The resumption of ‘Vande Bharat’ train operations on these new routes is expected to boost connectivity and facilitate smoother travel experiences for passengers in these regions. Indian Railways remains committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of passengers while constantly striving to enhance the country’s rail network.
The forthcoming launch of the ‘Vande Bharat’ trains reflects the determination of the Indian Railways to overcome adversity and continue serving the nation with efficient and reliable transportation services.