Source: https://zeenews.india.com/railways/people-crowd-railway-stations-to-catch-glimpse-of-northeasts-first-vande-bharat-express-watch-video-2615265.html
Publisher: Zee News
People in large numbers gathered at railway stations and crossings to catch a glimpse of the Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express as the semi-high speed train hurtled through the green fields of the northeast on its inaugural run. The region’s first Vande Bharat Express aims to boost tourism, connectivity, trade and by cutting down the travel time between the two cities by more than an hour. College-goers in traditional dresses danced to Bihu tunes, schoolchildren waved the tricolour and people threw flowers to welcome the train at its five stoppages — Kamakhya, New Bongaigaon, Kokrajhar, New Alipurduar and New Coochbehar — between Guwahati in Assam and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.
“This is a proud moment not only for Assam but the entire northeast. One of the most premium trains of the country is now operating in our region and it is a proud feeling,” Majuni Begum, a college student, said at the Kokrajhar station. People clicked selfies with the train in the background, while during its brief stoppages, youngsters filmed the interiors with their mobile phones for short videos for their social media accounts.
The train, which was flagged off virtually by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, will operate six days a week and according to a railway brochure, “This will be the fastest train in this sector and will benefit IT professionals, businessmen, students and tourists”. Explaining the service’s benefit, BJP Cooch Behar MP and Union minister Nisith Pramanik said people will now get faster access to tourist destinations not only in north Bengal but also Assam and beyond.
