Presidential Express chugs into Charbagh, Ram Nath Kovind scripts history

“…My family and I were immensely impressed with the pleasing and captivating train journey to Lucknow via Kanpur from Delhi. In this memorable journey, I had the pleasant experience of meeting my old friends and relatives in Rura and Jhinhjak…,” wrote the President in the visitors book at Lucknow’s Charbagh station.
LUCKNOW: Ram Nath Kovind scripted history as the Presidential Express chugged into Charbagh station a few minutes before noon on Monday. Kovind became the first serving President to travel to Lucknow by train
As the President deboarded, he was warmly received by Governor Anandiben Patel and Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath along with a host of officials. The President directly went to the Raj Bhawan where he will spend the next two days. This is the last leg of the President’s five-day visit to his home state .
The ultra-luxurious royal train, Maharaja Express, was converted into the Presidential Express at Delhi’s Safdarjung railway station.
Elated with the journey, the President lauded the railways. “I extend my best wishes to Indian railways who are providing easy and convenient transportation from the inaccessible mountain ranges of the Himalayas to the beaches of Kanyakumari, and from the lush green lands of northeast India to the western deserts of Gujarat,” he wrote in the visitors book.
“It is my firm belief that Indian railways will maintain a leading position in rail services across the world as it’s the preferred transport service for billions of Indians every day. My heartfelt thanks and best wishes to the entire team involved in the service of Indian railways,” the note further read.
The last time a President travelled by train was in 2006 when Dr APJ Abdul Kalam boarded a special train from Delhi to Dehradun to attend the passing out parade at the Indian Military Academy. It was the country’s first president Rajendra Prasad who undertook train journeys often.
Following the President Kovid’s train travel, railway minister Piyush Goyal tweeted, “His excellency president Ram Nath Kovind’s message is encouraging the entire railway family. I’m glad that your train travel experience was pleasant. I assure you that we will remain engaged in the service of crores of Indians, and will always keep your trust.”
Sanjay Kumar and Anil Kumar Dixit, the two loco-pilots of the Presidential train, described the journey as “once-in-a-lifetime experience” and a “moment of pride” for them.
“It was the most unforgettable moment of our life,” said Akshay Deep Chauhan, the guard of the Presidential Express.