Kerala Gets Its 1st Vande Bharat Train, PM Launches Water Metro: 10 Facts

Introduction

In a major development, the state of Kerala has welcomed its first Vande Bharat train and witnessed the launch of the Water Metro by the Prime Minister. The Vande Bharat train is a high-speed train that runs between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, covering a distance of 630 km in just 7.5 hours. On the other hand, the Water Metro is a network of waterways in Kochi, which aims to revolutionize the way people commute in the city. Let’s take a closer look at this significant development in Kerala.

10 Facts You Need to Know About Kerala’s First Vande Bharat Train and the Launch of Water Metro

1. The Vande Bharat train was flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 27, 2021. This is the first Vande Bharat train to run in Kerala and the fourth in the country after the trains in Delhi, Varanasi, and Mumbai.
2. The train has a total of 16 coaches, including one executive class coach and two power cars. It can run at a maximum speed of 160 km/h and has several modern features like automatic doors, GPS-based passenger information systems, and bio-vacuum toilets.
3. The Vande Bharat train will cover the distance between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam in just 7.5 hours, compared to the 12-14 hours taken by other trains. This will be a significant time-saving for passengers traveling between the two cities.
4. The Water Metro project is an ambitious initiative by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which aims to provide a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation in Kochi. It consists of 78 modern boats that will operate on 15 routes, connecting various islands and mainland areas in the city.
5. The Water Metro is expected to benefit more than two lakh people every day and will reduce the traffic congestion on the roads. It will also help to reduce the pollution levels in the city.
6. The Water Metro project has been implemented with the help of the German Development Bank (KfW), which has provided a loan of Rs. 572 crore for the project. The project has been completed at a cost of Rs. 747 crore.
7. The boats used in the Water Metro are made of fibreglass-reinforced plastic (FRP) and are equipped with air-conditioning, Wi-Fi, and comfortable seating. The boats are also wheelchair-friendly and have facilities for strollers and luggage.
8. The Water Metro is expected to generate employment opportunities for more than 1,000 people, including boat operators, ticketing staff, and maintenance personnel.
9. The Water Metro project has been completed in a record time of two years, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. The project has been hailed as a significant achievement in the development of Kerala’s infrastructure.
10. The launch of the Vande Bharat train and the Water Metro is expected to boost tourism in Kerala and attract more visitors to the state. It will also enhance the connectivity between various parts of the state and promote economic growth.

Conclusion

The launch of Kerala’s first Vande Bharat train and the Water Metro project is a significant milestone in the development of the state’s infrastructure. The Vande Bharat train will provide a fast and comfortable mode of transportation between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam, while the Water Metro will revolutionize the way people commute in Kochi. The project has been completed in a record time of two years, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and is expected to benefit lakhs of people every day. The launch of the Vande Bharat train and the Water Metro is a major step towards enhancing the connectivity between various parts of the state and promoting economic growth.

FAQs

Q1. What is the Vande Bharat train?

A1. The Vande Bharat train is a high-speed train that runs between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam.

Q2. How many coaches does the Vande Bharat train have?

A2. The Vande Bharat train has a total of 16 coaches, including one executive class coach and two power cars.

Q3. What is the Water Metro project?

A3. The Water Metro project is an ambitious initiative by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which aims to provide a fast, efficient, and eco-friendly mode of transportation in Kochi through a network of waterways.

Q4. How many boats will operate in the Water Metro?

A4. The Water Metro consists of 78 modern boats that will operate on 15 routes, connecting various islands and mainland areas in Kochi.

Q5. How long did it take to complete the Water Metro project?

A5. The Water Metro project has been completed in a record time of two years, despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

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