Naveen urges PM for two more Vande Bharat trains for Odisha

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik today urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi for two more Vande Bharat trains for Odisha.

Joining the flagging off programme of Howrah-Puri Vande Bharat Express on virtual mode, Patnaik praised PM Modi for launching several railway projects in Odisha. During the period, he requested the PM for running two more semi high-speed trains in Odisha.

“I would take this opportunity to request Hon’ble Prime Minister for introduction of a Vande Bharat Express between Puri and Rourkela connecting Sambalpur and another train connecting Bhubaneswar and Hyderabad which will facilitate faster movement of passengers between these important cities for the benefit of our aspiring people,” Patnaik said through the video conferencing programme.

Further, he also requested sanctioning of Puri-Konark new railway line which will connect two iconic marvels of Odisha. For this, the State Government offers 50% of construction cost and entire land cost, making the project more profitable for Railways.

Recently, CM Patnaik had discussed the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport at Puri during a meeting with PM Modi in New Delhi.

He said that the state government will incorporate all the suggestions made by PM Modi for making the proposed airport a world class sea-side airport.

“With the cooperation and support of PM, the airport will be ready within 3-4 years and the PM will visit Puri to dedicate the Shree Jagannath Puri International Airport,” Patnaik said.

Acknowledging the developments being carried out by the state government in the pilgrim town Puri, CM said, “the state government is developing Puri as an international heritage centre. Puri is the first city in India to have 100% drinking water facility from tap.”

He further said that Odisha has always been very proactive in supporting railway projects in the state. People of the state have also willingly pledged their invaluable land for the railway development, hoping that railway projects will offer them many new economic avenues.

The CM also requested for early introduction of passenger services in both Angul-Sukinda line and Haridaspur-Paradeep line to meet the aspirations of the people of these districts.

With introduction of Vande Bharat Express train, he hoped that the dream for bullet train will be a reality soon.

“The introduction of Vande Bharat train is one step closer towards our aspiration of bullet trains in India. I am sure with your (PM Narendra Modi) leadership, we should soon have our own bullet trains,” he added.

The much-awaited Vande Bharat Express train connecting Odisha and West Bengal was flagged off by PM Modi virtually. The train with improved facilities and comfort commenced its maiden run from Puri Railway Station in the afternoon today.

 

Also Read

Comments are closed.