PM Modi flags off India's first high-speed electric locomotive, says no more 'suppression of files'

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the ‘Satyagraha Se Swachhagraha’ event in Bihar’s Motihari district and inaugurated several development projects, including the launch of India’s first all-electric high-speed locomotive.

The ‘Satyagraha Se Swachhagraha’ event was organised on the occasion of concluding ceremony of Mahatma Gandhi's Champaran Satyagraha centenary celebrations at Motihari.

Modi addressed a rally of over 2,000 ‘Swachhagrahis’ (ambassadors of cleanliness drive) and facilitated some of them who performed outstandingly.

“I encourage your enthusiasm, excitement, energy towards nation building. I bow to the desire of the people of Bihar. I am glad that the people of Bihar have once again shown the spirit of oneness for the Swachhta campaign,” he said while addressing the rally.

During the event, Modi dedicated the Madhepura Electric Rail Locomotive factory to the nation and flagged off India’s first high-speed electric locomotive.

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Developed under the ‘Make in India’ project by France's Alstom, the 12,000-horsepower electric locomotive is one of the world’s most powerful rail engine.

Launching the project, PM Modi took a dig at the erstwhile RJD government and said, “The files gathered dust for eight years after clearance. Three years ago, the NDA government started working on it and the first phase has also been completed.”

"Our government has stopped the culture of suppressing files," he said.

Modi also laid the foundation stone of a project for doubling of Muzzafarpur-Sagauli (100.6 km) and Sagauli-Valmikinagar sections (109.7 km) through a remote button. He also flagged off the first run of the Champaran Humsafar Express between Katihar and Old Delhi.

Earlier in the day, Modi was received by Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Governor Satyapal Malik at the airport.

(With inputs from agencies)