Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate three new Vande Bharat Express trains on Saturday, August 31, 2024, aimed at boosting connectivity across key regions in Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka. These new routes will be a significant addition to the existing network of over 100 Vande Bharat Express trains, which currently connect more than 280 districts across the country. The flag-off ceremony will be conducted via video conferencing, according to the railway ministry.
The three new trains will include routes from Chennai Central to Nagercoil, Madurai to Bengaluru Cantonment, and Meerut City to Lucknow. Each train is expected to enhance regional connectivity and promote faster travel, especially for pilgrims and travelers heading to important cultural and religious destinations.
Chennai Central To Nagercoil
The Chennai Central to Nagercoil Vande Bharat Express is set to become a vital link between the bustling metropolitan city of Chennai and the southern town of Nagercoil. Although the train will be initially flagged off from Chennai Central, it will operate regularly from Chennai Egmore, running daily except on Wednesdays. This service is particularly important for pilgrims traveling to sacred sites like the Arulmigu Meenakshi Amman Temple in Madurai and the Kumari Amman Temple in Kanniyakumari.
🚆✨ Inaugural #Journey!
The much-awaited 02671 Madurai Jn – Bengaluru Cantonment #VandeBharat Special is all set to roll out on 31.08.2024#SouthernRailway pic.twitter.com/gSRFv6VGsg
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) August 30, 2024
The train, numbered 20627, will depart from Chennai Egmore at 5:00 AM and reach Nagercoil at 1:50 PM, making stops at Tambaram, Villupuram, Tiruchirappalli, Dindugal, Madurai, Kovilpatti, and Tirunelveli. The return journey, on train number 20628, will leave Nagercoil at 2:20 PM and arrive in Chennai at 11:00 PM.
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Madurai To Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express
Another key addition is the Vande Bharat Express connecting Madurai in Tamil Nadu to Bengaluru Cantonment in Karnataka. This train will run six days a week, excluding Tuesdays, and is designed to link the temple city of Madurai with Bengaluru, a major urban center and the capital of Karnataka.
Train number 20671 will leave Madurai at 5:15 AM and arrive at Bengaluru Cantonment at 1:00 PM, with stops at Dindugal, Tiruchirappalli, Karur, Namakkal, Salem, and Krishnarajapuram. The return service, train number 20672, will depart from Bengaluru Cantonment at 1:30 PM and reach Madurai at 9:45 PM.
Meerut City To Lucknow
The third train, connecting Meerut City to Lucknow, is expected to commence regular service from Lucknow on Sunday and from Meerut on Monday. This route will also operate six days a week, excluding Tuesdays. The Meerut City-Lucknow Vande Bharat Express is anticipated to significantly boost religious tourism by providing quicker access to key pilgrimage sites, including the Digambar Jain Temple, Mansa Devi Mandir, Surajkund Temple, and Augharnath Temple.
Train number 22490 will depart from Meerut City at 6:35 AM and arrive at Lucknow’s Charbagh railway station at 1:45 PM, making stops at Moradabad and Bareilly. On the return trip, train number 22489 will leave Lucknow at 2:45 PM and arrive in Meerut City at 10:00 PM.
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