Prime Minister, Narendra Modi on Sunday virtually flagged off the indigenous Vande Bharat Express between Andhra Pradesh and Telangana, a couple of days after the BRS Government accused the Centre of doing precious little for the Telegu-speaking states.

In his address, Modi said that there has been exceptional progress in Telangana during the last 8 years. “Prior to 2014, the Budget for railways in Telangana was less than Rs 250 crore and today it has become Rs 3,000 crore. Many areas in the State including Medak have been connected for the first time by the railways,” said the Prime Minister.

He went on to add that in the past eight years, the state has received 325 km of new railway tracks. More than 250 km of track multi tracking have been completed and electrification of railway tracks have gone up by three times, said Modi adding that very soon electrification work of all broad gauge routes would be completed in the state.

According to him, construction of 350 km of new railway lines and 800 km of multi tracking have been completed in Andhra Pradesh. Prior to 2014, the PM said, only 60 km of railway tracks were electrified annually but this has gone up to 220 km annually.

Modi said, “wherever there is Gati or speed there is Pragati or progress. Whenever there is progress it leads to prosperity.” He said, “the Vande Bharat is a symbol of New India’s capability and resolve.” The Prime Minister, furthersaid that it was the symbol of that India which has begun traversing the path of rapid development to reach its destination. He highlighted the link between connectivity and speed which contribute towards “sabka vikas”.

According to Modi, earlier the railways had a poor image but in the past 8 years, the problems were attended and now travelling by the Indian railways have become a pleasant experience. He cited the Vistradome Coaches, heritage trains to promote tourism, kisan rail to carry farm produce and the metro network in 2 dozen cities as instances of change in railways during his tenure.

However, the BRS have been criticising the the NDA government at the Centre for its failure to grant a coach factory at Kazipet.