In a noteworthy event, Punjab Governor Banwarilal Purohit and Union Minister of State for Commerce and Industry, Som Parkash, flagged off the Vande Bharat Express from Amritsar railway station. The ceremony was attended by political leaders from various parties, including BJP's district leadership, Congress MP Gurjit Singh Aujla, and AAP MLA Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh.
The Ambala divisional railway manager, Mandeep Singh Bhatia, revealed that the train, covering a distance of 446.3 km, will operate six days a week. With halts at Ambala Cantonment, Sahnewal, Ludhiana, Phagwara, Jalandhar Cantt, and Beas, it aims to complete the journey in five hours and 30 minutes, running at an average speed of 81.14 km per hour.
This new route is expected to trim the travel time by 40 minutes compared to existing trains. Its significance lies in fostering connectivity for the Doaba region, benefiting non-resident Indians, industrialists, traders, and pilgrims visiting the Golden Temple in Amritsar. Officials anticipate a positive impact on economic growth through increased tourism and business activities, emphasizing the importance of the Vande Bharat Express in boosting regional development.
Overall, the inauguration marks a step towards efficient and faster rail travel, contributing to the economic prosperity of the region.