Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the inauguration of Northeast India’s first Vande Bharat Express train by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through a video-conferencing ceremony held at Guwahati Railway Station on May 29. This semi-high-speed train, equipped with indigenous technology, will connect Guwahati with New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal, covering a distance of approximately 411 kilometres in just 5 hours and 30 minutes.
During his address to the gathering, Himanta Biswa Sarma emphasized the significant role of the Vande Bharat Express in fulfilling the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘transformation through transportation’ for the Northeastern region. He praised Prime Minister Modi for his dedicated efforts towards the overall growth and development of the Northeast.
The state-of-the-art Vande Bharat Train features advanced safety measures such as the train collision avoidance system (TCAS), also known as Kavach. It offers a range of amenities including bio-vacuum toilets, 360-degree revolving chairs, divyang-friendly washrooms, and specially designed seat handles, providing passengers with an air-travel-like experience.
In addition to the train inauguration, the Prime Minister also dedicated the newly-electrified 199-kilometre stretch of railway tracks connecting New Bongaigaon, Dudhnoi, and Mendipathar, as well as the 238-kilometre stretch between Guwahati and Chaparmukh.
Chief minister Sarma highlighted the unprecedented modernization efforts in the Northeast region under the leadership of Prime Minister Modi’s government, particularly in the areas of roadways, railways, and waterways connectivity.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Express and the electrification of railway tracks signify significant milestones in the region’s transportation infrastructure development, enhancing connectivity and fostering overall progress in the Northeastern states.
