Vande Bharat symbol of new India’s resolutions, capabilities: PM Modi

Hyderabad: Hailed as the Union government’s Makar Sankranti gift for the people of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, the Vande Bharat express from Secunderabad to Visakhapatnam was virtually inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at 10:30 a.m on 15 January on the occasion of Pongal.

The semi-high-speed train will bring down the travel time between Hyderabad and Visakhapatnam by four hours covering a total distance of 699 km in 8.5 hours. Inaugurating the express rail service, Mr. Modi said it will enhance ease of living, boost tourism, and benefit the economy.

“Vande Bharat train is the symbol of the resolutions and capabilities of new India. It is a symbol of India, which has started on the path of rapid change, India which is restless for its dreams and aspirations,” he said.

The train has 14 AC coaches and two executive AC coaches and a capacity of 1,128 passengers.

Vande Bharat Express features

This is the 8th Vande Bharat Express set to operate in the country. The regular services of the train will start from 16 January for which the bookings resumed from 14 January. Train 20833 Visakhapatnam–Secunderabad Vande Bharat Express will start at 5:45 a.m and reach Secunderabad at 2:15 p.m. The train 20834 Secunderabad–Visakhapatnam will start from Secunderabad at 3 p.m and reache Visakhapatnam at 11:30 p.m. The intermediate stops for the train include Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada, and Rajahmundry.

The train is manufactured with pure indigenous technology equipped with modern features and enhanced comforts. It has automatic sliding doors, reclining seats in all classes, and rotating seats in executive class. Emergency alarm button and emergency talk back units have been provided through which passengers can talk with the crew in case of exigent situations. CCTV cameras are equipped in all coaches for safe and secure travel.