Vaishnaw mentioned that the Railways
has initiated the process for exporting Vande Bharat trains. He expressed
optimism that the nation could witness its inaugural export within the next
five years.
Addressing the transformative measures implemented by the Railways
during the past decade under the Narendra Modi administration, he
emphasised key achievements such as the construction of the world’s highest
railway bridge, the Chenab Bridge, and the pioneering under-river water tunnel
for the Kolkata metro. These technological advancements represent significant
milestones in the rail sector’s development.
“The railways has a huge social
obligation. We carry about 700 crore people every year. Two and a half crore
practically every day. The fare structure is such that if the cost of
carrying a person is Rs 100, we charge Rs 45. So we give [a] 55 per cent
discount to every person who travels by railways on an average,” Vaishnaw said.
On the topic of affordability, Vaishnaw said that India has designed a
world-class Amrit Bharat train. “It
provides 1,000 km of travel at a price of only Rs 454. That is the kind of
affordability that has been provided,” he said. He highlighted the
popularity of Vande Bharat trains among the youth. “Practically, every week one
Vande Bharat is getting inducted into the fleet. We will be manufacturing at
least 400 to 500 of these trains in the coming few years,” he added.