BENGALURU: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday flagged off three new Vande Bharat Express trains from KSR Railway Station in Bengaluru, enhancing regional connectivity and promising reduced travel time.
The new services will operate on the Bengaluru–Belagavi, Amritsar–Sri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra, and Nagpur (Ajni)–Pune routes.
Following the launch, the Prime Minister took a ride on the Bengaluru–Belagavi Vande Bharat Express, spending time interacting, laughing, and posing for photographs with schoolchildren on board. The high-speed trains are designed to offer passengers a “world-class” travel experience with modern amenities.
Later, Modi inaugurated the Yellow Line of Namma Metro, connecting RV Road (Ragigudda) to Bommasandra. This is part of the Metro Phase 2 project.
The 19.14 km stretch, built at a cost of Rs 7,610 crore, comprises 16 stations and expands the city’s operational metro network to 96 km. The new line is expected to benefit over eight lakh daily commuters in south Bengaluru.
PM Modi purchased a ticket through QR code-enabled ticket vending machines at Ragigudda Metro Station before flagging off the Yellow Line.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Metro Phase 3A project. It will be undertaken at a cost of Rs 15,610 crore, spanning over 44 km with 31 elevated stations, aimed at easing congestion and catering to Bengaluru’s rapidly growing transport needs.
“Modi, Modi” chants echoed through parts of the city as crowds braved the rain to greet him, particularly at Ragigudda Metro Station. Hundreds of supporters and party workers lined the streets to catch a glimpse of his convoy.
Traffic in central and southern Bengaluru was disrupted on Sunday morning due to security arrangements ahead of the rally, with afternoon downpours further slowing vehicular movement.