Latest news with #VandeBharat
India Gazette
an hour ago
- Politics
- India Gazette
Gorakhpur to Patliputra in just 7 hours as PM Modi flags off new Vande Bharat train
Patna (Bihar) [India], June 20 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off a new Vande Bharat Express through video conferencing from Siwan, connecting Patliputra Junction in Patna to Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh. The train offers a new, fast, safe and convenient travel option between eastern Uttar Pradesh and northern Bihar. It will run six days a week (except Saturdays). Departing Gorakhpur at 5:40 AM, the train will reach Patliputra by 12:45 PM, and in the return direction, it will depart Patliputra at 3:30 PM and arrive in Gorakhpur by 10:30 PM. The Vande Bharat Express has a semi-high-speed capability which significantly reduces travel time. The Gorakhpur to Patliputra journey, which earlier took 10 to 12 hours, can now be completed in just 7 hours. As per the Indian Railway, the route of this train includes stations in Uttar Pradesh -- Gorakhpur, Kaptanganj and Paniyahwa -- and in Bihar -- Bagaha, Narkatiaganj, Bettiah, Sagauli, Bapudham Motihari, Muzaffarpur, Hajipur and Patliputra. This train is a strong example of Prime Minister Modi's commitment to the 'development of Eastern India,' working to bring previously neglected areas into the mainstream. With this new addition, Bihar now has 13 and Uttar Pradesh 15 Vande Bharat trains, enhancing rail connectivity. The Patliputra-Gorakhpur route connects districts such as Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, East Champaran, West Champaran, Kushinagar and Gorakhpur. This improves access to trade, tourism, employment opportunities and educational and healthcare services. Currently, 71 Vande Bharat trains operate across the country. Recently, the Prime Minister also launched a new Vande Bharat train to Jammu and Kashmir, ensuring year-round high-speed connectivity in the region. The train features air-conditioned coaches, automatic doors, bio-toilets, a GPS information system, onboard catering, Wi-Fi, and CCTV security. These amenities provide a premium and comfortable experience that was previously unavailable in regular trains. Vande Bharat trains are especially beneficial for senior citizens, students, and women. Automatic doors and CCTV cameras ensure security, while its punctual schedule helps passengers reach their destinations on time. PM Modi also flagged off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant, for export to the Republic of Guinea, under the 'Make in India' initiative plant became the first export locomotive manufactured in this factory. They are equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, and ergonomic cab designs, incorporating technologies like regenerative braking. To boost railway infrastructure in the region, the Prime Minister inaugurated the new Vaishali-Deoria railway line project, worth over Rs 400 crore, and flagged off a new train service on this route. (ANI)
United News of India
2 hours ago
- Politics
- United News of India
Modi's speech neither fills stomach nor provides employment: Tejaswi
Patna, June 20 (UNI) "Prime Minister Narendra Modi's speech neither fills the stomach nor provides employment", taunted leader of opposition in Bihar assembly Tejaswi Prasad Yadav, alleging that the BJP was misusing hard earned money of the people of Bihar for its publicity. Taking pot shots at the official programme and public meeting of Modi in Siwan, Yadav told news persons here on Saturday that the "PM's speech was devoid of content" and alleged that the manner in which the official function was organised, it appeared more like a function of the BJP. The expenditure on the event was incurred by the Bihar government, he said, adding that over Rs 100 crore was spent on a single such function. The amount spent was actually the hard-earned money of the people of Bihar, he alleged, adding that the people of the state do not get the benefit of their money. The BJP, which boasts of being the richest party in the world, misused the public funds of Bihar where salary payment is not on time, the dues of MNREGA workers were pending for six months, scholarships were not given to students but the government's fund was being drained out on glorifying a particular party. The common people of Bihar were upset with the expenses incurred in the rally, he alleged. The entire government machinery was pressed into service to bring the crowd for the PM's event but people did not turn up, which indicates that they were no more interested to hear the "jumlas" of the Prime Minister. Accusing the government of not checking corruption, Yadav said it was rampant at every level in Bihar where the corrupt people were being patronised. Tejaswi said that the railway engines manufactured in Bihar were now being exported but the rail factory was the contribution of RJD chief Lalu Prasad Yadav who as the railway minister, worked to make the railways profitable along with setting up a railway engine factory, wheel factory, coach factory in Bihar and provided convenience to the common passenger by reducing the railway fares every year, but contrary to it PM Modi has introduced expensive trains like Vande Bharat. He asked Modi to tell the people about any factories he set up in Bihar, revived sugar mills and created employment opportunities or provided jobs. The RJD leader boasted of reviving the Riga sugar mill during his 17-month tenure and provided means of employment to the people of Sitamarhi. The PM also did not tell about the migration which took place during the last 20 years of the NDA rule in Bihar, Yadav said, and alleged that instead of speaking about the issues of Bihar including migration, unemployment, establishing industries, IT park, textile park, education and health Modi made all tall promises. Speaking about Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Yadav said Bihar now does not need an "unconscious chief minister who is only interested in protecting his power and chair". Exasperated at the law and order situation of the state, Yadav alleged that crime was at its peak and the morale of criminals has gone up to such an extent that they do not even hesitate in firing bullets in the protected areas. He said that PM Modi did not utter even a single word on the deteriorating law and order situation in Bihar during his deliberations. Venting his ire on the recent row over the alleged insult to BR Ambedkar's photo by Lalu Yadav, the RJD leader blamed the PM of remaining silent to the insult of Ambedkar by none other than Union Home Minister Amit Shah. Yadav accused the PM of misleading the people of the state by repeating the ostentatious foundation stone laying, inauguration and commencement of work announcements that have been made continuously since 2015. He asked Modi to explain why Bihar was the worst state in the country in terms of poverty, unemployment, per capita income, investment, literacy rate and industrialization in the reports of Niti Aayog and many standard agencies of the central government "despite the double engine powered NDA government ruling for the last 20 years in Bihar and for 11 years at the Centre". The RJD leader said Modi should also answer "why Dalits were unsafe in Bihar, farmers worried, women were oppressed and people were dying in hooch tragedies". UNI RS RN
NDTV
5 hours ago
- Politics
- NDTV
"They Don't Care For Any Other Country": Omar Abdullah On Trump-Munir Lunch
Srinagar: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday said the US was a "friend" of other countries only till its benefits were served, and Washington can do anything to secure its interests. Mr Abdullah's remark came in response to a question by reporters on US President Donald Trump hosting Pakistan Army chief Asif Munir for a White House lunch. "The US President is a master of his own will. Can we tell him whom he should invite for meals and whom not? It is a separate issue that we used to think the US President was our very special friend, and he would respect our friendship. "But obviously, America does what benefits it. They do not care for any other country," the Chief Minister told reporters after getting down at the Srinagar Railway station, having returned from Jammu. The chief minister had gone to Jammu on the recently launched Vande Bharat train, along with his father, Farooq Abdullah. On his train journey, he said, "Had it not been good, why would I have returned via train by train. The manner in which the people are trying to book trains for this train, and that the process of waiting list has started, we want the length (capacity) and the frequency of the train to be increased." He added, "It has become a successful service in just a few days; we would want more people to benefit from it." Asked about the Iran-Israel conflict, the National Conference leader said the war should stop and the issue resolved through dialogue. "This bombing should not have started. Before this, when the American intelligence in-charge was asked if Iran had the nuclear bomb, he had said he did not think Iran could make a bomb for a long time. But Israel attacked Iran within a few months. This attack should stop and the issues resolved through talks," he said. On the local students studying in Iran, he said they will return gradually. "We cannot bring them back overnight, as airports and ports are closed. We are bringing them via road first to those cities where there is no bombing, then they are being brought back through Armenia. "We are hopeful that today, 300-400 students are returning, a majority of whom are from J-K. We will bring them home safely," he added. Asked about power sharing with the lieutenant governor, Abdullah said the LG should approve the business rules that have been approved by the cabinet to end the confusion. "I have never said LG has all the powers. You check the J-K Reservation Act. The LG has himself said that his responsibility is limited to only the security and law and order. "That is why I am saying that the business rules approved by the cabinet should be signed and returned by the LG so that there is no confusion," he said. "The LG has one responsibility: He should protect the people of J-K and improve the security scenario here ... Rest of the responsibilities are ours," the CM added.
Hindustan Times
6 hours ago
- Politics
- Hindustan Times
US ‘friend' of countries only till its interests served, says Omar Abdullah
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah Friday said the US was a "friend" of other countries only till its benefits were served, and Washington can do anything to secure its interests. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah said that the US does "not care for any other country".(PTI) Abdullah's remark came in response to a question by reporters on US President Donald Trump hosting Pakistan Army chief Asif Munir for a White House lunch. "The US President is a master of his own will. Can we tell him whom he should invite for meals and whom not? It is a separate issue that we used to think the US President was our very special friend, and he would respect our friendship. "But obviously, America does what benefits it. They do not care for any other country," the CM told reporters after getting down at the Srinagar Railway station, having returned from Jammu. The chief minister had gone to Jammu on the recently launched Vande Bharat train, along with his father, Farooq Abdullah. On his train journey, he said, "Had it not been good, why would I have returned via train by train. The manner in which the people are trying to book trains for this train, and that the process of waiting list has started, we want the length (capacity) and the frequency of the train to be increased." He added, "It has become a successful service in just a few days; we would want more people to benefit from it." Asked about the Iran-Israel conflict, the National Conference leader said the war should stop and the issue resolved through dialogue. "This bombing should not have started. Before this, when the American intelligence in-charge was asked if Iran had the nuclear bomb, he had said he did not think Iran could make a bomb for a long time. But Israel attacked Iran within a few months. This attack should stop and the issues resolved through talks," he said. On the local students studying in Iran, he said they will return gradually. "We cannot bring them back overnight, as airports and ports are closed. We are bringing them via road first to those cities where there is no bombing, then they are being brought back through Armenia. "We are hopeful that today, 300-400 students are returning, a majority of whom are from J-K. We will bring them home safely," he added. Asked about power sharing with the lieutenant governor, Abdullah said the LG should approve the business rules that have been approved by the cabinet to end the confusion. "I have never said LG has all the powers. You check the J-K Reservation Act. The LG has himself said that his responsibility is limited to only the security and law and order. "That is why I am saying that the business rules approved by the cabinet should be signed and returned by the LG so that there is no confusion," he said. "The LG has one responsibility: He should protect the people of J-K and improve the security scenario here … Rest of the responsibilities are ours," the CM added.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
From Gorakhpur to Patliputra before lunch? PM Modi's new Vande Bharat makes it happen
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off a new Vande Bharat Express train via video call from Siwan. The train will run between Patliputra Junction in Patna and Gorakhpur Junction in Uttar Pradesh, offering a quick, safe and modern travel option for people of eastern UP and northern Bihar. 6-Day-a-Week Service The new train will operate six days a week, except on Saturdays. It will leave Gorakhpur at 5:40 AM and reach Patliputra by 12:45 PM. For the return journey, it will leave Patliputra at 3:30 PM and reach Gorakhpur by 10:30 PM. The journey that earlier took 10–12 hours will now take just 7 hours. Key Stops on the Route This Vande Bharat Express will stop at important stations like Gorakhpur, Kaptanganj, and Paniyahwa in UP, and Bagaha, Narkatiaganj, Bettiah, Sagauli, Bapudham Motihari, Muzaffarpur, and Hajipur in Bihar before reaching Patliputra. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Play War Thunder now for free War Thunder Play Now Undo Boost to Connectivity and Development Modi called this train a step towards the development of eastern India, helping areas that were earlier left out. With this, Bihar now has 13 and UP has 15 Vande Bharat trains. It improves travel options for students, workers, and tourists and helps connect districts like Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Champaran, Kushinagar and Gorakhpur. Features of the Train The Vande Bharat Express has modern features like: Live Events Air-conditioned coaches Automatic doors Bio-toilets GPS tracking system Onboard catering Free Wi-Fi CCTV for safety These features make it especially helpful for senior citizens, women and students. The train's punctuality also helps passengers manage their time better. 'Make in India' Export Locomotive Modi also flagged off a new export locomotive made at the Marhowra Plant in Bihar for the Republic of Guinea. This is the first such export from the plant and is part of the 'Make in India' campaign. The engine is fitted with advanced technology like regenerative braking and a smart control system. New Railway Line Inaugurated In another big announcement, the Prime Minister launched the Vaishali–Deoria railway line project, worth over Rs 400 crore. He also flagged off a new train service on this route, boosting local transport and economy.
