The much-talked Vande Bharat train between Hyderabad and Vijayawada was diverted to West Bengal this time. Earlier it was announced and was diverted to Bilaspur. Now, PM Narendra Modi will be launching the service in West Bengal on December 30 and it operates between Howrah and New Jalpaiguri.
Union minister G Kishan Reddy proudly claimed that the centre has sanctioned the Vande Bharat train to Telangana state. But it did not come true. The minister should explain to the people the centre’s decision in diverting the train and what value his statement carried.
As part of the modernisation of Indian Railways, the central government introduced modern and semi-high-speed Vande Bharat trains in 2019 that travel at a speed of 160 to 180 kilometres per hour. Each train costs Rs. 97 crores and is meant to be launched in select zones in a phased manner.
The one meant for the South Central Railway in Telangana was diverted to other places in the country twice. The railway ministry also trained 30 personnel to operate Vande Bharat services here but it did not see the light in Telangana state.
This clearly shows the centre’s discrimination against Telangana state. The local BJP leaders never open their mouths against such discrimination.
By Gollapudi Srinivasa Rao