Prime minister Narendra Modi flagged off Mumbai-Solapur Vande Bharat and Mumbai-Sainagar Shirdi Vande Bharat trains at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) in Mumbai on Friday.

Modi also dedicated two road projects, of Santacruz Chembur Link Road and Kurar underpass project, to the nation. These road projects will ease traffic congestion and streamline movement of vehicles in Mumbai.

In his address, the PM said that it is a huge day for railways in India, especially for advanced connectivity in Maharashtra as this is the first time that two Vande Bharat trains have been flagged off on the same day. He said Vande Bharat trains will connect economic centres of Mumbai and Pune to centres of faith, benefiting those traveling for college, office, business, pilgrimage and agricultural purposes. The PM said that traveling to sacred places like Shirdi, Nasik, Trimbakeshwar, and Panchavati will be made easier with the new Vande Bharat trains which will give a boost to tourism as well as pilgrimage. The pilgrimages of Pandharpur, Solapur, Akkalkot and Tuljapur will also be made more accessible with the Solapur Vande Bharat Express.

Modi said that the Vande Bharat train is a grand picture of modern India. “It is a reflection of India's speed and scale.”

The prime minister also said that so far 10 Vande Bharat trains have started operating and connecting 108 districts of 17 states of the country.

He added that that many projects were launched today that will enhance the ease of living.

Improvement of public transport for 21st-century India  will lead to massive ease of living for the citizens and that is the thought behind the launch of modern trains, expansion of Metro and new airports and ports.  

The elevated road will connect eastern and western suburban areas and the underpass.

“The Budget also strengthens this thinking as for the first time 10 lakh crore were allocated exclusively for infrastructure development. In this railway's share is 2.5 lakh crore for Maharashtra which is an unprecedented.” Modi said, with the efforts of the double-engine government, connectivity in Maharashtra will move ahead rapidly.

While speaking on the budget the prime minister, further said  that middle class has been strengthened in this budget.

He said people with an income of more than 2 lakh rupees were taxed before 2014 but present government had earlier increased tax slab to Rs 5 lakh and now has increased to Rs 7 lakh  in this year’s budget. “Those who paid 20% tax in the UPA government pay zero tax today,” he said adding that those with new jobs now have an opportunity to save more.