PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat train, inaugurates water metro project in Kerala

PM Modi is in Kerala on a two-day visit.

Updated on: Apr 25, 2023, 12:26:55 IST

By HT News Desk

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express train in the state capital Thiruvananthapuram and the country's first water metro in Kochi on Tuesday. Vande Bharat, the semi-high-speed train from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, will cover the distance between the two places in just eight hours which otherwise would take 12-13 hours for transportation.

PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat Express (ANI)

On its way, the train will cover districts including Kollam, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Palakkad, Pathanamthitta, Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Kannur.

Modi is set to arrive at Thiruvananthapuram railway station around 10.30am. Expressing his “eagerness” to be a part of the programme, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had earlier tweeted, “I am eager to be among the people of Thiruvananthapuram on the 25th. Kerala's first Vande Bharat Express would be flagged off, which will run between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod. 11 districts of Kerala will be covered. It will greatly benefit tourism and commerce.”

Modi also inaugurated a number of projects including the country's first Water Metro in Kerala. Kochi water metro will connect 10 islands, in and around the city. The project, which is funded by the Government of Kerala and the German firm KFW, will act as a game-changer for the state.

“In water metro, we use the most advanced Lithium Titanite Spinel batteries. It is the first time such a large number of electric hybrid boats operate as a fleet under one command in a public sector,” said Sajan P John, general manager (operations) of the Kerala Water Metro Limited.

Apart from Kochi Water Metro, rail electrification of the Dindigul-Palani-Palakkad section will also be dedicated by Modi. He will also lay the foundation of various rail projects including the redevelopment of Thiruvananthapuram, Kozhikode, and Varkala Sivagiri railway stations; comprehensive development of Thiruvananthapuram area including Nemon and Kochuveli and increasing of sectional speed of Thiruvananthapuram-Shoranur section.

(With inputs from ANI)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.