PM Flags off 1st journey of 'Vande Bharat Express Train' between Dehradun to Delhi | 26 May 2023

Why in News?

On 25 May 2023, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Dehradun to Delhi through video conferencing. He also dedicated newly electrified railway sections to the nation and declared Uttarakhand as a state with 100 percent electric traction.

Key Points:

  • This is the first 'Vande Bharat Express train' to start in Uttarakhand. This train will connect the country's capital with the Devbhoomi of Uttarakhand. The travel time between the two cities will be further reduced and the world class facilities available on the train will make traveling a pleasant experience.
  • The train is indigenous and equipped with advanced safety features including armor technology. The new Vande Bharat Express will cover the distance between Dehradun and Delhi in 4.5 hours.
  • On this occasion, the Prime Minister mentioned 9 gems of development-
    • First - Rs 1300 crore renovation work in Kedarnath-Badrinath Dham.
    • Second - Rs 2500 crore ropeway project in Gaurikund-Kedarnath and Gobind Ghat-Hemkund Sahib.
    • Third - Renovation of ancient temples of Kumaon under the Manas Khand Mandir Mala program.
    • Fourth - Promotion of homestays across the state (More than 4000 homestays are registered in the state).
    • Fifth - Development of 16 ecotourism places.
    • Sixth – Expansion of health services in Uttarakhand (sub-centre of AIIMS in Udham Singh Nagar).
    • Seventh – Rs 2000 crore Tehri Lake Development Project.
    • Eighth – To develop Haridwar Rishikesh as the capital of Yoga and Adventure tourism.
    • Nawan - Tanakpur Bageshwar Rail Line.
  • He informed that the work on the Char Dham mega project with a cost of Rs 12,000 crore is going on at a fast pace. The Delhi Dehradun Expressway will make travel faster and easier.
  • He said that the Rs 16,000 crore Rishikesh-Karnprayag rail project would be completed in 2-3 years. This project will make a large part of Uttarakhand accessible and promote investment, industry and employment.