Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone and dedicate several railway projects worth over 8,000 crore rupees in Odisha on thursday via video conferencing. During the event, Mr. Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Howrah.
The train will cover 500 kms distance and pass through Khordha, Cuttack, Jajpur, Bhadrak, and Balasore districts in Odisha and Paschim Medinipur, Purba Medinipur districts in West Bengal. The train will provide a faster, comfortable and convenient travel experience to the rail users, boost tourism and promote economic development in the region.
The regular run of the Howrah-Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will commence from May 20. The train will run six days a week. The train will depart Howrah at 6.10 am and reach Puri at 12.35 pm and in the return direction, it will depart Puri at 1.50 pm and arrive at Howrah at 8.30 pm. Speaking on the occasion, Prime Minister said, Vande Bharat Express has become the symbol of modern India and the aspirations of its people.
He said, Vande Bharat reflects the speed and progress of the country. Mr Modi said Vande Bharat has been made in India with indigenous technology. Prime Minister said the country is developing its own technology and taking the new facilities to the remotest parts of the country. He said infrastructure not only makes the life of people easy but also empowers society.
