Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off six new Vande Bharat Express trains Friday, expanding the semi-high-speed network to 50 routes and slashing journeys like Ernakulam-Bengaluru from 12 to 6 hours. The Rs 2,500 crore rollout, announced amid cheers at New Delhi station, connects southern hubs to central gems like Khajuraho, promising to ferry 2 crore passengers annually. "This is Viksit Bharat on rails," Modi declared, linking the launches to his vision of a developed India by 2047.
Passengers at Chennai's Egmore station, first to board the Ernakulam-Bengaluru rake, marveled at the aircraft-like interiors—reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and pantries stocked with idlis and filter coffee. "It's a game-changer for my spice trade," said merchant Rajesh Kumar, 52, who once endured overnight buses. The train, clocking 160 kmph on test runs, hit Varanasi in a record 8 hours from Delhi, drawing pilgrims who thronged platforms with garlands.
Delays plagued early rollout—Khajuraho's line faced land hurdles, pushing back by months—but Friday's launches quelled murmurs. Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw touted 100% indigenous manufacturing, creating 5,000 jobs in Bihar's coaches. Social media buzzed with #VandeBharat50, amassing 1 million posts, though critics flagged overcrowding risks without dynamic pricing.
Onboard, innovations shone: Bio-toilets recycled water 90% efficiently, and AI-monitored tracks promised zero collisions. A family from Kerala, heading to Varanasi for Kashi Vishwanath darshan, snapped selfies in the lounge: "Feels like flying without wings," quipped teen daughter Priya. The expansions target underserved routes, boosting tourism—Khajuraho expects 20% more visitors, per state tourism data.
Challenges linger: Track upgrades lag in monsoons, and AC glitches hit 5% rakes last monsoon. Yet, as the Ernakulam train whistled out at noon, Kumar waved from the window: "From backwaters to temples in a day—India's shrinking beautifully." With 100 more trains planned by 2030, the Vande era steams ahead, knitting a nation closer.
