दक्षिण पश्चिम रेलवे / SOUTH WESTERN RAILWAY
प्रेस विज्ञप्ति / Press Release No. 269 dated 21.09.2023
VANDE BHARAT EXPRESS: PRIDE OF INDIA, AND PRIDE OF RAILWAY PERSONS & THEIR FAMILIES
1.Karnataka set to receive third Vande Bharat Express
2.Family-members of railway men who steer Vande Bharat share their pride
3.Vande Bharat has undergone continuous improvement based on passenger feedback
Vande Bharat Express trains has emerged as a shining example of ‘Make in India’ initiative of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. This is the first indigenously manufactured self-propelled semi-high speed trainset of India, which has now become synonymous with aircraft-like comfort and convenience.
In Karnataka at present two Vande Bharat Express trains are plying between Dharwad-Bengaluru and Mysuru-Bengaluru-Chennai. While both the trains are well patronized and admire by the passengers for its modern facilities, high speed etc., it is notable that the staff who run these trains as well as their family members feel immense pride in the fact that they are a part of history-in-the-making as Vande Bharat spearheads giant strides in the march towards Aatmanirbhar Bharat.
Shri Hari, son of loco pilot Shri Surendran expressed immense joy and thrill in recounting the fact that his father had got the rare opportunity to drive the first Vande Bharat of south India i.e., Mysuru-Dr. MGR Chennai Central Vande Bharat Express which was flagged off by Shri Narendra Modi, Hon’ble PM in November 2022. Similarly, Ms. Ananya, daughter of Shri Aneesh Srinivas Rao, loco pilot and Shri Hitesh Swamy, son of Shri Gangadhara Swamy also shared the same sentiment of pride and happiness that their fathers have been given the responsibility of piloting this premier train in recognition of their experience, knowledge and skills. Shri Hitesh Swamy also mentioned that he looks up to his father as an inspiration who has been serving Indian Railways since the last 35 years.
In response to growing demand is all set to get its third Vande Bharat Express very shortly. This train will ply between Bengaluru and Hyderabad, connecting the two tech-cities of south India known for software, start-ups and technology. The trial run of this train was undertaken today to asses various technical and operational parameters.
It is notable that since the launch of the very first Vande Bharat, subsequently, Indian Railways has incorporated a number of suggestions, feedback from the passengers and public in continuously improving the amenities/facilities provided on board (for example, the angle of seat reclination increased from 17.3 degrees to 19.4 degrees; accessibility of mobile charging socket improved; wheelchair securing points are provided in Driving/Trailer Coaches for the convenience of Divyang/elderly passengers; and many more).
Aneesh Hegde
Chief Public Relations Officer South Western Railway, Hubballi
