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Varanasi, Nov 8 (IANS) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Varanasi and said infrastructure has played an important role in the development of nations.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said, “I saw how incredibly you celebrated Dev Diwali. Today is also an auspicious day. Infrastructure has played a great role in the development of countries. Think of a place where there is no railway station – once it is built, development starts naturally. Think of an area where there are no roads; when the road is built, farmers can take their produce to the markets, and progress begins. “Infrastructure doesn’t just mean bridges or buildings – wherever there are such developments, there is development.”
“The country is moving forward on the same track. In the same spirit, new Vande Bharat trains are being launched in different parts of the country. Apart from the Kashi-Khajuraho Vande Bharat, Firozpur-Delhi, Lucknow-Saharanpur, and Ernakulam-Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express trains have also been flagged off today. Now, more than 160 Vande Bharat trains are operational across India.”
He said that currently 160 new Vande Bharat trains are running in the country. “More than 160 new Vande Bharat trains are running in the country. I would like to congratulate all the people of Varanasi and the entire country for this achievement.”
He said, “Today Namo Bharat and Amrit Bharat are laying the foundation of the future. This is a campaign for the expansion of Indian Railways. Vande Bharat is for the people, by the people and for the people of India. Earlier it was considered impossible, but today, these trains are being built in our own country – this is the strength of India. When foreigners see Vande Bharat, they are amazed.”
Speaking on India’s spiritual and cultural connectivity, PM Modi said, “In India, pilgrimages have always been a medium to awaken the consciousness of the country. These pilgrimages are not just visits to temples; these are sacred traditions that connect the soul of India. Places like Prayagraj, Ayodhya, Haridwar, Chitrakoot and Kurukshetra represent our spiritual heritage.
“As these holy sites are now being connected through the Vande Bharat network, it is connecting the path of culture, faith and development of India.”
Highlighting improvements in public health facilities, the Prime Minister said, “We are working to make the facilities in Banaras a special experience for everyone. Our government is continuously improving health services in Prayagraj and Kashi. About 10-11 years ago, people suffering from serious illnesses had only one option – the district hospital or BHU. The number of patients was so high that even after waiting all night, many people were not able to get treatment. For diseases like cancer, people had to Had to sell my land to go to Mumbai for treatment.”
–IANS
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