The Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express will soon stop at four major textile centres in Tamil Nadu- Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, and Salem, to benefit workers and the industry, Vice President C.P. Radhakrishnan announced.

During his maiden visit to Coimbatore after assuming office, the Vice President said the decision followed his request to the Railway Ministry.

“The Railways has consented to my two requests. Soon the Ernakulam to Bengaluru Vande Bharat train will halt at the four textile centres of Coimbatore, Tirupur, Erode and Salem for the benefit of the industry,” he said at a felicitation function organised by the Coimbatore Citizen Forum.

New daily train from Ranchi to Coimbatore

Radhakrishnan also confirmed that the Railways had approved a daily train service between Ranchi (Jharkhand) and Coimbatore. The service aims to make travel easier for thousands of migrant workers employed in Tamil Nadu’s textile sector.

He added that both trains would become operational soon.

Focus on infrastructure and development

Highlighting the importance of infrastructure to regional growth, the Vice President said he would extend full support to expanding Coimbatore Airport to match the standards of Bengaluru’s.

He also urged a balanced approach to development, observing that agriculture and industry must grow together.

"Both are complimentary. Without industrial development, agriculture may not prosper. Tamil Nadu and Coimbatore too will greatly benefit through the Viksit Bharat programme of the Modi-government," he said.

Reflecting on his political journey, Radhakrishnan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for entrusting him with various responsibilities.

"I won (MP elections) twice but lost three times. Then I got a call from Modi ji. He said, 'I want to send you somewhere'. And I replied, Ji, as you wish. Then, after three days when I was in Tiruppur for a condolence meeting, I received the information that I have been made Governor of Jharkhand. I didn't expect this but it happened," Radhakrishnan said.

He had also served as Maharashtra Governor. "Today, I have assumed charge as Vice President. This shows that efforts are ours but decisions are god's, that's how I see it," he said.

“This position (Vice President) is not a personal honour but a recognition for the Tamil community worldwide, for our land, and for Coimbatore,” he said.

The Vice President, who returned recently from an official visit to the Republic of Seychelles, was welcomed warmly by state officials and members of the BJP and AIADMK upon his arrival.