Varanasi, November 8: The Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that economic development in countries around the world is deeply linked to progress in infrastructure. India is moving on this path at a very fast pace. In this regard, new Vande Bharat trains are being launched today in different parts of the country. Vande Bharat is a train made for Indians, by Indians, for Indians. Every Indian is proud of it.
Prime Minister Modi made this statement in his address after flagging off four Vande Bharat trains from platform number eight of Banaras (Manduadih) railway station in his parliamentary constituency Varanasi.
Prime Minister said that trains like Vande Bharat, Namo Bharat, and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation for the next generation of Indian Railways. This is a campaign to transform Indian Railways.
He said that for centuries, pilgrimages in India have been considered a medium of the nation’s consciousness. Such pilgrimages are not just a path to spirituality, but a sacred tradition that connects the soul of India. Countless pilgrimage sites like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot, and Kurukshetra are central to our spiritual trajectory. Today, as these sacred destinations are being connected to the Vande Bharat network, it also serves as a way to connect India’s culture, faith, and development. This is an important step toward making Indian heritage cities symbols of the nation’s development.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi stated that a city’s development naturally begins when it enjoys better connectivity and infrastructure that extends beyond mere grand bridges and highways. This approach underscores the importance of the newly launched Vande Bharat trains in boosting regional mobility, economic activity, and overall development.
He noted that healthcare services in Kashi are steadily improving. Just 10-11 years ago, treatment for even a serious illness was difficult. People’s only option was BHU. People would wait all night in the hospital, unable to find a bed. People were worried about treatment for serious illnesses like cancer. To address the concerns of the people of Kashi, several hospitals, including the Mahamana Cancer Hospital, have been built. This is benefiting the poor in Purvanchal and surrounding states through Ayushman Bharat and Jan Aushadhi Kendras.
Prime Minister Modi, as usual, began his address in Bhojpuri. He said, “We want to see what a wonderful celebration of Dev Deepawali will be. Today is a very auspicious day. We extend our best wishes to all of you on this festival of development.”
Earlier, Prime Minister Modi flagged off four Vande Bharat trains. He flagged off the Vande Bharat Express from Varanasi to Khajuraho. He then virtually inaugurated the Lucknow-Saharanpur, Firozpur-Delhi, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Expresses in South India.
Upon arriving at Varanasi Railway Station, the Prime Minister was warmly welcomed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath.