PM Modi Flags Off World’s First Double Stack Long Haul Container Train

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off world’s first double-stack long haul container train by virtually inaugurating the Rewari-Madar section of the Western Dedicated Freight Corridor. It is the first double-stack long haul 1.5 km long container train to run on electric traction. The corridor will be used for the exclusive operation of freight trains, which will run at a maximum speed of 100 km/hour. The first train has been flagged off from New Ateli in Haryana to New Kishangarh in Rajasthan.

5 states: Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Maharashtra will benefit from this rail project; which the Prime Minister dubbed as a game-changer. Pointing to new heights of infrastructure development which India has reached in the past one month, PM Modi pointed to over Rs. 18,000 crores transferred to farmers’ accounts, successful run of the driverless metro, the start of 100th Kisan rail between Maharashtra and West Bengal, the establishment of new campuses of AIIMS and IIMs which took place despite an ongoing pandemic. Praising India’s new COVID vaccines for generating a new wave of confidence in all Indians, PM said that the dedicated freight corridor will aid India’s rapid progress and increase growth in all areas since modern rail infrastructure creates a foundation for employment in all sectors across states.

The PM announced that the day is not far when all cities of North East will be connected by rail and stated that new multi-modal logistic parks, parcel hubs, and container depots will provide employment, which will add to India’s record FDI inflow, rise in forex reserves and global standing due to growth in infrastructure.

Rajasthan’s Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot urged the PM to revive stalled projects across states on priority, reiterating the need for infrastructure development for the country’s progress, irrespective of whichever party stays in power. Recollecting newly independent India’s status as an importer of rail wagons, he lauded efforts of the country’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru who encouraged the production of wagons, claiming that the freight corridor reached newer heights under the erstwhile PM Manmohan Singh in 2006. Gehlot has requested the Centre to incorporate rail expansion as part of the upcoming budget and repeated the long-standing demand to connect Gujarat’s Kandla port to Barmer in Rajasthan, which is an oil-rich region located close to the international border.

Source: TimesNowNews