New Delhi, Aug 31 (Representative) Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off three Vande Bharatexpress trains, including two in Southern Railway, via video conferencing from New Delhi on Saturday.After the flag off, the inaugural services of Vande Bharat Express Trains betweenDr MGR Chennai Central and Nagercoil and Madurai and Bengaluru Cantonmentcoming under Southern Railway were launched today. Mr Modi also flagged off the inaugural Meerut –Lucknow Vande Bharat Express.In Southern Railway, ceremonial functions were held at Dr MGR Chennai Centraland Madurai Junction.At the Dr MGR Chennai Central station, Tamil Nadu Governor R. N. Ravi,Union Minister Dr L. Murugan, Members of Parliament, Elected representativesand other dignitaries graced the occasion. Only the inaugural Special was flagged off from Dr MGR Chennai Central asthe regular Service of the train will be from Chennai Egmore.
The Train No. 02627 Dr MGR Chennai Central – Nagercoil Inaugural Specialleft at 12.30 hrs and would reach Nagercoil at 21.30 hrs. The train composition comprised of Vande Bharat rake of 16 coaches.At Madurai, V. Somanna, Union Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Members of Parliament, elected representatives and other dignitaries attendedthe flagging off event of the Madurai–Bengaluru Cantonment Vande Bharatinaugural Special train.The Train No.02671 Madurai–Bengaluru Cantonment Vande Bharat inauguralSpecial left Madurai at 12.30 hrs and would reach Benglauru Cantonment at21.30 hrs. The train composition comprised Vande Bharat rake of 8 Coaches. Reception functions will be held at enroute railway stations as well at thedestination stations, where a warm reception will be accorded to theprestigious service by elected representatives, rail passengers, railwayofficials, students, and general public.The indigenously manufactured Vande Bharat Express is redefining railtravel experience in the country. In order to provide an opportunity to students, rail enthusiasts and generalpublic to get a glimpse of the prestigious train service, the inaugural specialVande Bharat Express trains will have stoppages enroute.Regular Services of these trains will start on September 2, 2024.