Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off six new Vande Bharat trains on Sunday, expanding the fleet from 54 to 60 train sets, now facilitating 120 trips daily across more than 280 districts in 24 states and union territories. Initially, the event was scheduled to take place at Tatanagar, but poor visibility and adverse weather conditions delayed the PM's helicopter. The newly launched trains will operate on the following routes: Tatanagar-Patna, Brahmapur-Tatanagar, Rourkela-Howrah, Deoghar-Varanasi, Bhagalpur-Howrah, and Gaya-Howrah. Capable of reaching speeds up to 160 kmph, these trains promise a superior travel experience for passengers. They are expected to boost religious tourism by offering faster access to pilgrimage sites like Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar, Kashi Vishwanath Temple in Varanasi, Kalighat, and Belur Math in Kolkata. Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Jharkhand Governor Santosh Kumar Gangwar attended the flag-off ceremony at Tatanagar station. The introduction of these trains is anticipated to benefit regular commuters, professionals, students, and business communities. Additionally, industries such as coal and mining in Dhanbad, jute in Kolkata, and iron and steel in Durgapur are expected to see significant advantages from the improved connectivity. The Vande Bharat trains, indigenously designed under the 'Make in India' initiative, boast advanced features that enhance luxury and efficiency. With this latest addition, Indian Railways aims to set new standards in travel, offering unmatched speed, safety, and comfort. The Vande Bharat project, a flagship of the 'Make in India' campaign, symbolizes India's aspiration for a modern and efficient rail system. The first Vande Bharat train was inaugurated on February 15, 2019. (ET)