PM flags off Odisha’s first Vande Bharat, launches railway projects worth Rs 8,200 crore

PTI

Puri/ Howrah, May 18

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched railway projects worth Rs 8,200 crore in Odisha on Thursday and flagged off the state's first Vande Bharat Express that will connect Puri to West Bengal's Howrah.

Addressing the function through video-conferencing, Modi said new India is building its own technologies and reaching those to the different corners of the country.

"The Vande Bharat Express will further strengthen the religious, cultural and spiritual connection between Howrah and Puri," he said.

Fifteen Vande Bharat trains are operational in the country at present and those are boosting both connectivity and economy, Modi said.

"There was a time when new technologies and facilities used to remain limited to Delhi or the big cities. But now, India has chosen a new path. This new India is making technologies on its own and reaching those to different corners of the country," he said, referring to the indigenously developed semi-high speed train.

The prime minister said that as the country celebrates the 'Amrit Kaal' of its Independence, it's time to further strengthen its unity.

"The more India's unity is strengthened, the more its collective capacity will increase," he said.

He also lauded the state for continuing India's developmental streak amid challenges.

The Puri-Howrah Vande Bharat Express will be the fastest train on the route, covering the 500 km distance in around 6.5 hours, railway officials said.

Modi also laid the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Puri and Cuttack railway stations. 

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