Adding to the glory of ‘God’s Own Country’, Kerala, yesterday Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the state’s first Vande Bharat Express. The state finally has its own Vande Bharat train, and the people could not be happier. The state welcomed this semi-high-speed train in a very grand manner with folk music, dance, and more! Take a look at how beautiful this welcome was!
Kerala Welcomes Vande Bharat Express
Kerala was thrilled to welcome its first Vande Bharat Express at the Thiruvananthapuram Central Station. This train will cover 586 kilometres between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod. This train covers the distance between the two stations in just 8 hours and 5 minutes, which is faster than the Rajdhani Express.
Kerala gets its first #VandeBharatExpress along with a boost to various rail infrastructure projects.
#RailInfra4Kerala #VandeBharat pic.twitter.com/vPPQxshfkb— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 25, 2023
This express saw a welcome like no other as it entered Kerala. The welcome was witnessed by thousands of people at the Thiruvananthapuram Central Station. PM Narendra Modi, who was there to flag off the train, was received by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Shashi Tharoor, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, MP, and Mayor Arya Rajendran.
Flagged off Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express, which will enhance connectivity from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. pic.twitter.com/u1RqG5SoVU
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2023
The inaugural run of this express was celebrated with a mesmerising Mohiniyattam dance performance.
Catch glimpses from the inaugural run of Kerala’s First #VandeBharatExpress.#VandeBharat pic.twitter.com/GDWlwJCBzE
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 25, 2023
The express then reached its second halt on the route, Kottayam. Here the train was welcomed with Chenda Melam, which is Kerala’s traditional folk music played on the Chenda, a musical instrument.
Mesmerising musical beats and excitement fill the air as Kerala’s First #VandeBharatExpress arrives at Kottayam Railway Station.#VandeBharat pic.twitter.com/KPWHcQcTQB
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 25, 2023
Kerala’s Thrissur Railway Station too welcomed the express with Chenda Melam. Thousands of people had flocked in to catch a glimpse of the state’s first Vande Bharat.
Kerala’s first #VandeBharatExpress gets a grand welcome with traditional folk music at Thrissur railway station.#VandeBharat pic.twitter.com/gp3hXmPb6W
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 25, 2023
Vande Bharat reached Kerala’s Ernakulam Town Railway Station and was greeted by mesmerising Bharatnatyam and Thiruvathira Dance forms.
Kerala’s First #VandeBharatExpress greeted with splendid cultural showcase of Bharatnatyam and Thiruvathira Dance forms at Ernakulam Town Railway Station.#VandeBharat pic.twitter.com/Pc7mEyBZo2
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 25, 2023
Kollam Railway Station saw the traditional Chenda Melam as well as folk dances by artists.
A Joyful Celebration embraces the atmosphere with traditional music and folk dance, as Kerala’s first #VandeBharatExpress arrives at Kollam Railway station. #VandeBharat pic.twitter.com/vpPmtDLHZj
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 25, 2023
Kasaragod also marked the arrival of this express with joy and people were spotted clicking selfies with the train.
Kasaragod Station stands tall and proud, ready to welcome the first #VandeBharat train to Kerala!#VandeBharatExpress #RailInfra4Kerala #SouthernRailway @narendramodi @RailMinIndia @PMOIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/sqJKslvdNK
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) April 25, 2023
Experience the vibrant culture of Kasaragod as people welcome the first #VandeBharatExpress to Kerala! The energy and excitement of people are simply exhilarating.#VandeBharat #RailInfra4Kerala #SouthernRailway @narendramodi @RailMinIndia @PMOIndia @AshwiniVaishnaw pic.twitter.com/lHgrCe9kAz
— Southern Railway (@GMSRailway) April 25, 2023
People at Kochuveli railway station, too were spotted clicking pictures with the express.
Selfie with the Star of the Day!
Excited and elated passengers were spotted snapping selfies with Kerala’s first #VandeBharatExpress, at Kochuveli railway station.#VandeBharat pic.twitter.com/S8IsgX5ofI
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 25, 2023
Also Read: Round Pizza In Square Box? Netizens Are Impressed To See Round Pizza Menu Instead Of A Square One
Inside The Express
All this was how the people at the station welcomed Kerala’s first Vande Bharat Express. But what about on the inside? Well, the people who boarded the very first inaugural express couldn’t contain their happiness and expressed it in different ways.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi too boarded the train and accompanied students on the exciting journey. He interacted with the students and also shared a glimpse of one of the most memorable interactions.
A memorable interaction on board the Vande Bharat Express. pic.twitter.com/Ym1KHM5huy
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) April 25, 2023
A cute little girl was seen curiously touching the buttons above her seat and trying to understand the technology used in the express.
A touch of essence!
Little munchkin relishing the curious touch of technology on the new #VandeBharat in Kerala.#VandeBharatExpress pic.twitter.com/IRymBUpjx8
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 26, 2023
The passengers shared their happiness on boarding the first express.
Elation across people of all ages, genders and professions towards the maiden run of Kerala’s first #VandeBharatExpress.#VandeBharat pic.twitter.com/hvDcsKzZtd
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) April 25, 2023
A schoolgirl also presented a super cool rap on Vande Bharat Express.
#VandeBharat just got cooler with young rapper! 👏🏻 pic.twitter.com/aJzgV6Gwn0
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) April 25, 2023
Kerala and its people are truly happy and elated to finally have their own Vande Bharat!
Also Read: Kerala Vande Bharat Train: Route, Timings, Cost & More, Here’s All You Need To Know
How was the welcome? Lets us know below!
Cover Image Courtesy: Media Library