PM flags off 8 trains to boost connectivity to Statue of Unity
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PM flags off 8 trains to boost connectivity to Statue of Unity


Prime Minister Narendra Modion Sunday flagged off eight trains connecting GujaratsKevadia, where the Statue of Unity of Sardar Patel is located,to different regions of the country.

Modi said more tourists flock to the Statue of Unitythan the Statue of Liberty in the US, adding nearly 50 lakhtourists have visited the former since it opened in 2018.

He referred to the Dedicated Freight Corridor projectas “an example of the way things functioned in our country inthe past.” “A few days ago, I inaugurated a large section (of theDedicated Freight Corridor). On this very important project,in eight years work was done only on paper. From 2006 till2014, not even one km track was laid. Now, in the next fewmonths, 1,100-km work will be completed,” he said.

Modi also inaugurated three railway stations and abroad gauge lineconnecting Dabhoi to Kevadia, via video linkon Sunday.

The prime minister said this is possibly the firsttime that so many trains were flagged off at the same time forone destination.

With increased connectivity, over one lakh people willvisit Kevadia daily in the near future, he said citing asurvey.

The amount of work done to modernise the countrysrailway infrastructure in recent years is unprecedented, Modisaid.

Unlike in the past when less focus was given to newways of thinking and technology, wide changes have been madein the railway system on many fronts, with the governmentsfocus on self-reliance in railway manufacturing and technologybeing a big reason behind the change, he said.

Besides tourists visiting the Statue of Unity, thelocal populace will be the biggest beneficiary of the new railconnectivity, he said.

“Today, Kevadia is no longer a small place in a remotearea of Gujarat. It is emerging as the worlds biggest touristdestination,” he said. Despite everything remaining closed formonths during coronavirus pandemic, the number of touristsvisiting Kevadia is increasing fast, he added.

He said the new Kevadia railway station is an exampleof his governments efforts to ensure that the Railways remainenvironment-friendly. “Kevadia station is the countrys firstto get green building certification from the beginning,” hesaid.

The Ahmedabad-Kevadia Jan Shatabdi Express, one of theeight trains, is equipped with the Vistadome coache whichoffers large viewing areas with rooftop glasses and seats forpassengers.

Modi said the Vistadome coaches on trains to Kevadiawill make the travel attractive.

The amount of work done to modernise the countrysrailway infrastructure in the recent years is unprecedented,he said.

Unlike in the past when less focus was given to newthinking and new technology, the approach has changed to makewide changes in the railway system, and changes have takenplace at once on many fronts, he said.

“With the modernisation of the rail network, parts ofthe country previously not connected by railway networks aregetting connected now. The conversion into broad gauge of oldrail routes and electrification is being done much faster thanbefore.

“Rail tracks are being made capable for (operatingtrains at) higher speed. This is the reason it is being madepossible to run semi high-speed trains. We are fast movingtowards high speed track and technology,” Modi said.

“Had we not manufactured high horse-power locomotivesin India in the past, then could India run the worlds firstdouble-stack long-hold container train?” he said.

“Today, many modern trains made in India are part ofthe Indian Railways. As we move towards transformation of theIndian Railways, highly-skilled specialised manpower andtransformation skill is vital,” he said.

The establishment of Indias first deemed railwayuniversity in Vadodara is a step in the same direction, headded.

The eight trains Modi flagged off will connectKevadia, which is around 200 km from the state capitalAhmedabad, to Varanasi, Dadar in Mumbai, Ahmedabad,HazratNizamuddin in Delhi, Rewa in Madhya Pradesh, Chennai andPratapnagar in Vadodara.

Modi inaugurated new station buildings of Dabhoi,Chandod and Kevadia, Dabhoi-Chandod gauge converted broadgauge rail line of 18 km, Chandod-Kevadia broad gauge railline of 32 km and the newly electrified Pratapnagar-Kevadiasection of 80 km.

Modi paid tributes to AIADMK founder M G Ramachandranas he mentioned the train connecting Kevadia to Chennai, whichwas flagged off from MGR Chennai Central station.

“It is a happy coincidence that today is the birthanniversary of Bharat Ratna MGR. From movie screen topolitical screen, MGR ruled the hearts of people. His life,his entire political journey was dedicated to the poor.

“He worked continuously so that the poor could get arespectful life. We all are working to fulfil the ideals ofBharat Ratna MGR. Only a few years ago, the Chennai CentralRailway Station was named after MGR. I offer my tributes toMGR,” he said.


(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by The Federal staff and is auto-published from a syndicated feed.)

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