PM Modi may visit Odisha to flag off Vande Bharat Express train: BJP

After the successful trial run of the Vande Bharat Express from Howrah to Puri, speculations are rife regarding the regular operations of the much-awaited train services. Moreover, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to visit Odisha for flagging off the Vande Bharat Express, informed state BJP general secretary, Prithviraj Harichandan today.

According to Harichandan, PM Modi is likely to attend the inauguration of the Vande Bharat Express from Puri.

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“There is every likelihood that PM Narendra Modi will attend the inauguration ceremony and flag off the Vande Bharat Express from Puri. As the PM has dedicated the train services from various parts of the country, we are hopeful that he would visit Odisha as well.”

"The exact date is yet to be finalised and we are hopeful that it will happen at the earliest," Harichandan added.

It is pertinent to mention here that the first trial run of Vande Bharat Express started from Howrah-Puri on April 28. The train departed from Howrah at 6:10 am and reached Puri at noon with two-minute stoppages at Kharagpur, Bhadrak, Jajpur, Cuttack and Bhubaneswar on the same day.

Vande Bharat Express Features

Vande Bharat Express’ maximum speed of 180 km/h (110 mph). Vande Bharat train features a GPS-based passenger information system, bio-vacuum toilets, and rotational seats that can be aligned in the direction of travel in the executive class, and employs a regenerative braking system.

Odisha Commerce and Transport Minister Tukuni Sahu had earlier shot off a letter to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and sought Vande Bharat Express on two more routes - Puri-Rourkela via Sambalpur and Bhubaneswar- Hyderabad.