Vice President lauds Railways for rising to the occasion with novel efforts during COVID-19

‘Railways have not only helped tackle the pandemic but proved to be an essential lifeline in times of need’

GM SER& ECoR Ms Archana Joshi highlighted the performance of ECoR

DRM Waltair Shri Anup Satpathy thanked all the guests for witnessing the grand occasion

Additional Vistadome Coaches with upgraded LHB Rake in Visakhapatnam-Kirandul-Visakhapatnam train was flagged off, today (22.11.2021), by Hon’ble Vice President of India Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu at Visakhapatnam Railway Station.

Ms Archana Joshi, General Manager, East Coast Railway welcomed the Hon’ble Chief Guest and other esteemed guests, briefed the highlights of the East Coast Railway. She said that the upgraded LHB coach will provide better comfort and jerk free journey, enhance Safety with better ride experience and lesser noise. Apart from this, LHB Coaches are fire retardant, low maintenance, better design, low weight and higher passenger carrying capacity along with safer & comfortable journey, she added.

Addressing the gathering the Hon’ble Vice President, Shri M. Venkaiah Naidu, lauded Indian Railways for rising to the occasion during the pandemic and coming up with novel efforts to ‘keep the wheels running and customers protected’ from the unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19.

unprecedented challenges posed by COVID-19.

Recalling his close association with the Visakhapatnam city, the Vice President thanked the government and complimented the decision of Railway Minister, Shri Ashwini Vaishnav for heeding his suggestion to the Ministry to expedite the use of Vistadome coaches in the route of Visakhapatnam-Araku.

Giving the instance of COVID care isolation coaches, Shramik special trains, and ‘Oxygen Expresses’, Shri Naidu said the Indian Railways geared up its entire machinery and helped the country to effectively tackle the pandemic.

The Vice President also complimented the Railways for the in-house development and production of PPEs, Coveralls, Hand Sanitizers and Masks, and ensuring the transport of medical equipment and general goods to cities and villages. ‘Due to this proactive stance, shortages of goods and food stocks have been largely minimized. Thus, the Railways have not only helped the nation to effectively tackle the pandemic but proved to be an essential lifeline in times of need’, he said.

Referring to the tourism potential of the route, which passes through a scenic, mountainous terrain of Eastern Ghats through many curves, tunnels and bridges, Shri Venkaiah Naidu said the 360-degree viewing system of the Vistadome coaches will make the journey an unforgettable experience for the passengers. He also commended the Railways for the introduction of a LHB coach to the train, which enhances comfort and safety of the passengers.

On the inaugural day, this train left Visakhapatnam up to Araku. The regular service of this train will commence from Visakhapatnam w.e.f. 23rd November, 2021 and from Kirandul w.e.f. 24th November, 2021. The Vistadome service will be provided between Visakhapatnam and Araku from both the directions.

Divisional Railway Manager Shri Anup Satpathy, whose did untiring efforts to make this programme a grand success in short notice, expressed gratitude towards all the dignitaries, guests, officials, staff and the media persons for their presence & mentioned that the services of this train will definitely meet the needs of the public and tourists.

Hon’ble Minister for Tourism, Culture and Youth Advancement, Government of Andhra Pradesh Shri Muttamsetti Srinivasa Rao; Member of Parliament (LS), Visakhapatnam Shri MVV Satyanarayana and dignitaries from various government departments witnessed the occasion.