- Event Details:
- The second Vande Bharat Express between Secunderabad – Visakhapatnam was virtually flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on March 12, 2024.
- The flag-off ceremony took place through a video conference from Ahmedabad, Gujarat, with Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw at the Secunderabad station.
- Government’s Emphasis on Railways:
- Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy highlighted the significant importance given to Railways during the last two terms of the Modi government.
- Generous funds and clearance of multiple infrastructure projects, including the redevelopment of Secunderabad, Hyderabad, and other stations, were mentioned.
- Infrastructure Developments:
- Indigenously made Vande Bharat trains were introduced.
- The wagon manufacturing unit and the new passenger terminal at Cherlapalli are nearing completion.
- New Train Schedule:
- The new train between Secunderabad and Visakhapatnam will run on six days a week, excluding Thursdays.
- Regular service will commence from March 13 between Visakhapatnam and Secunderabad, and from March 15 for the return journey.
- Train Schedule Details:
- Train Number 20707 (Secunderabad – Visakhapatnam) departs from Secunderabad at 5.05 a.m. and arrives in Visakhapatnam at 1.50 p.m.
- Train Number 20708 (Visakhapatnam – Secunderabad) departs at 2.35 p.m. and arrives in Secunderabad at 11.20 p.m.
- Stops include Warangal, Khammam, Vijayawada, Rajahmundry, and Samalkot railway stations in both directions.
- Train Configuration:
- The train consists of seven AC chair car coaches and one executive AC chair car coach.
- It has a total capacity of 530 passengers.
- The existing Vande Bharat Train connecting the two Telugu States has been operating consistently with more than 100% occupancy.
- Additional Launches:
- Two more new trains – Kalaburagi – Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express and Kollam – Tirupati Mail Express passing through SCR have been launched.
- Nine cargo terminals, 11 goods sheds, three railway coach restaurants, and new doubling/tripling works across the zone were also inaugurated on this occasion.
- Participants:
- Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy and SCR General Manager Anil Kumar Jain participated virtually in the event.
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw were actively involved in the video conference ceremony.
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