Centre Making Record Investment For Modernisation Of Railways, Says PM Modi

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday asserted that the Centre is making record investment for railway infrastructure modernisation. He was addressing the gathering virtually as he flagged off the 7th Vande Bharat Express, connecting Howrah to New Jalpaiguri at the Howrah Railway Station. 

Speaking about the Vande Bharat Express, the PM said that India had taken a resolve to start 475 Vande Bharat trains during the celebrations of the Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav. The train flagged off today from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri is also a fulfilment of that resolve. Mentioning the multiple projects whose foundation stones were laid and inaugurated on Friday, the Prime Minister said that the government is spending approximately Rs 5000 crores for the completion of these projects.

The ultra-modern Semi High-Speed Train is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities. The train will stop at Malda Town, Barsoi and Kishanganj stations en route in both directions.

Talking about other projects for Bengal, Modi said that more than 25 sewage projects have been approved in West Bengal under the Namami Gange Scheme. Out of these, 11 projects are already complete and seven are being completed at the earliest. Work on 5 new schemes with an outlay of Rs 1500 crore is starting today. The Prime Minister mentioned one of the key projects i.e. Adi Ganga project for cleaning of Ganga, where infrastructure worth Rs 600 crore is being established. 

Those present to witness the flagging off ceremony included Chief Minister of West Bengal, Mamata Banerjee, Governor of West Bengal, Dr C V Ananda Bose, Union Minister for Railways in India, Ashwini Vaisnav, Union Ministers of State, John Barla, Dr Subhas Sarkar and Nisith Parmanik and Member of Parliament, Prasoon Banerjee were those present on occasion among others.