Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman took a experience on the Vande Bharat prepare in Kerala on Friday and described it as a ‘pleasant experience’. Sharing photos from her journey on her official X (previously Twitter) account, Sitharaman talked about it as a ‘great opportunity’ to work together with passengers and expressed her fondness for prepare journeys.

Sitharaman attended the inauguration of ‘Aayakar Bhawan’, the newly constructed earnings tax workplace in Kochi earlier than boarding the Vande Bharat prepare to the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. She recommended the railway ministry and Prime Minister Narendra Modi for introducing semi-high velocity trains within the nation, noting their recognition and full bookings.

“Taking a ride on #VandeBharat from Kochi to Thiruvanathapuram. Vande Bharat was introduced by @PMOIndia @narendramodi in September 2022. It is after a year that I have the opportunity to travel in one of them. Being popular, the train runs fully booked. Well done @RailMinIndia,” the Union minister wrote on X, sharing the experience photos.

“Great opportunity to interact with passengers. Some pictures. #VandeBharat experience,” she wrote.

Sitharaman additionally shared a shock second when V. Muraleedhara, Union minister of state for exterior affairs, joined her on the Vande Bharat prepare. “Pleasant shock when Minister @VMBJP joins me en route. Passengers be a part of us each to share their ideas. Pleasant experience #VandeBharat,” she wrote.

The finance minister took moments to take selfies with fellow passengers, which she also shared on her X account, saying, “More interactions, more selfies too. #SelfiesinVandeBharat.”

During her Friday journey, Sitharaman also met former Rajya Sabha MP of Kerala Congress, Joy Abhraham. “Happy coincidence to meet up with former member of Rajya Sabha Shri. Joy Abraham MP (RS) 2012-18 (Kerala Congress) during my #VandeBharat journey to Thiruvananthapuram from Kochi. A pleasant experience. Always loved train journeys. This is special. @AshwiniVaishnaw,” she said.

Kerala’s first Vande Bharat service was inaugurated in April this year by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Thiruvananthapuram Central.