Nagpur, India: The new Vande Bharat train on the Nagpur-Secunderabad route was inaugurated with great enthusiasm on Monday. Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, speaking at the event, highlighted the train's comfort and its quick rise in popularity. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the train via video link from Ahmedabad.

The launch event took place at Platform No. 8, with Maharashtra Governor C.P. Radhakrishnan also in attendance. Central Railway's General Manager Dharamveer Meena and other senior railway officials were present.

A special feature of the inauguration was that Adivasis, who had never travelled by train before, were invited for the maiden ride, coordinated by social worker Munna Mahajan. Additionally, some local schools sent students for a joy ride on the new train.

This is the second Vande Bharat train operating from Nagpur; the first one runs between Nagpur and Bilaspur. Gadkari also mentioned the ongoing redevelopment of Nagpur Railway Station, promising improved facilities and smoother passenger experiences once the work is complete.

Governor Radhakrishnan praised the Indian Railways for its significant improvements in cleanliness and performance, noting that stations and tracks now rival those in Europe. The new Nagpur-Secunderabad Vande Bharat train is expected to enhance connectivity between the two cities.