Wednesday, 13 March 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the inaugural run of Vande Bharat Express from Dehradun to Lucknow on Tuesday. He also inaugurated one Jan Aushadhi Kendra each in Kashipur and Rishikesh railway stations along with the One Station One Product stalls in various railway stations in the State. These were among the railway projects worth Rs 85,000 crore launched virtually by PM Modi from Ahmedabad. The governor lieutenant general (retd) Gurmit Singh and chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami were also present at the inaugural event organised at Dehradun railway station. Dhami expressed his gratitude to Modi and the Union Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for starting the operation of Vande Bharat Express between Dehradun and Lucknow. He said that Vande Bharat is a great example of the PM’s vision for a progressive and self-reliant India. The CM stated that Modi has a special attachment towards the State which is rapidly moving towards development with the support of the Central government. The Centre has allocated a budget of Rs 5,120 crore for the expansion of railways in the State. Besides this, the redevelopment works of six railway stations are also being done under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme. The State is making consistent progress in works related to air connectivity, ropeways, roads, railways and transport. The Centre has been fulfilling all demands of the State including the demand for flights between Dehradun and Ayodhya and Pantnagar and Varanasi besides the demand for operation of a train between Tanakpur and Dehradun. Dhami said that the dream of taking trains to the mountains will also become a reality soon after the completion of the Rishikesh-Karnprayag railway project. He also talked about the One Station One Product initiative of the Railways stating that it will provide livelihood to local artisans, potters, weavers and craftsmen. Each shop will provide employment opportunities to at least four to five people. Besides this, Jan Aushadhi Kendra at railway stations will also allow passengers to buy medicines at cheaper rates. The Central and State governments are working together to implement various schemes to provide all facilities to each citizen, Dhami added.
