PM Modi's luxury train journey: 'Train Force One' to travel from Poland to Kyiv through war-torn areas
PTC News Desk: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is currently on a visit to Poland, is scheduled to travel to Ukraine on Friday, August 23. This historic trip will be the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ukraine since it gained independence from the Soviet Union in 1991.
Instead of opting for air travel, PM Modi will embark on a journey aboard “Train Force One,” a luxury Polish train, which will take him to Kyiv. The visit is planned to last approximately seven hours, with nearly ten hours dedicated to the train journey itself.
PM Modi will depart for the Ukrainian capital on Thursday evening. The extended train journey has been chosen due to the closure of all Ukrainian airports amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, making rail travel the safest and most practical option.
This luxury train, known as “Train Force One,” has previously been used to transport prominent leaders such as U.S. President Joe Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron during their visits to Kyiv. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy also relies on this train for his international travel.
Equipped with advanced security features, “Train Force One” includes armored windows, secure communication systems, surveillance equipment, and a dedicated security team to ensure the safety of its high-profile passengers.
Originally constructed in 2014 for tourist travel in Crimea, the train offers a modern, opulent interior, akin to a high-end hotel on wheels. It features a large meeting table, plush sofas, a wall-mounted TV, and comfortable sleeping arrangements.
During his visit to Kyiv, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will hold a meeting with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. This visit comes about six weeks after Modi's highly-publicised trip to Moscow, where he met with Russian President Vladimir Putin. That trip had faced criticism from the U.S. and several Western allies.
Modi's visit to Ukraine is in response to President Zelenskyy's invitation and aims to discuss strategies for peaceful resolution of the ongoing conflict. The primary objective of this trip is to enhance bilateral relations and explore avenues for achieving peace. The discussions between Modi and Zelenskyy are expected to address a range of topics, including agriculture, infrastructure, pharmaceuticals, education, and defense.
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- With inputs from agencies
