Tue Sep 17 04:54:26 UTC 2024: ## Modi Flags Off New Vande Bharat Express Connecting Durg and Visakhapatnam

**Raipur, Chhattisgarh:** Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday virtually inaugurated the new Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express, marking the second such train in Chhattisgarh. The ceremony, conducted from Ahmedabad, saw Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw participating through video conferencing.

The semi-high-speed train promises to cut travel time between Durg and Visakhapatnam from 11 hours to just 8 hours. Though capable of speeds up to 160 kilometers per hour, the train will initially operate at 130 kilometers per hour for safety and efficiency.

The Durg-Visakhapatnam Vande Bharat Express will run six days a week, excluding Thursdays, making stops at 9 stations, including Durg Junction, Raipur Junction, Visakhapatnam Junction, and others. The train boasts modern features such as reclining seats, automatic doors, smoke alarms, CCTV surveillance, bio-vacuum toilets, and the ‘Kavach’ safety system.

This new service is expected to boost connectivity between Durg and Visakhapatnam, important hubs for tourism and business, and contribute to economic growth in the region. The Vande Bharat Express, known for its speed, comfort, and advanced safety systems, has become a symbol of modern Indian rail transport since its debut in 2019.

**Meanwhile, in the tech sector,** Firstsource Solutions Limited has partnered with Microsoft to leverage Azure AI services for digital transformation. This collaboration aims to deliver enhanced multi-modal search experiences, improve business effectiveness, and increase employee satisfaction.

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