Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged of the Rajasthan Vande Bharat Express, which will ply on the Delhi-Jaipur-Ajmer circuit and will be the world’s first semi-high speed passenger train running on a high rise overhead electric territory. The train which will ply between Delhi Cantonment and Ajmer was flagged off by the Prime Minister virtually in a video conference. The train will begin regular services from 13 April. The train, which will operate between Delhi Cantonment and Ajmer, will stop at Jaipur, Alwar and Gurgaon.

“Vande Bharat Express enriches the spirit of ‘India First, Always First’. I am happy that Vande Bharat train has today become synonymous with development, modernity, self-reliance and stability. Today’s journey of Vande Bharat will lead us to the journey of developed India tomorrow.” – PM Modi

The train will cover the distance in 5 hrs and 15 minutes and will be 60 minutes faster than the existing Shatabdi which is the fasted on the circuit currently. This train will give a boost to the tourism circuit which includes, Alwar, Jaipur, Pushkar and Ajmer Dargah as the tourist points. Six Vande Bharat trains have been flagged off in the last two months.

Rajasthan Chief Minister  Ashok Gehlot, during his address on the inauguration, expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister on behalf of the State. He added that the railway network in Rajasthan should be mazimised, considering the geographic location of the state. Adding that he had more ideas to share, the CM said that three districts in Rajasthan, namely Banswara, Tonk and Karauli have been deprived of rail connectivity despite being district headquarters.

Vande Bharat Express

Vande Bharat Express is an indigenously manufactured, semi-high speed and self-propelled train set. The train is equipped with state-of-the-art passenger amenities, providing passengers with a faster, more comfortable and more convenient travel experience.