Rail Force One: The Luxurious Train PM Modi Will Take to Kyiv

By Rajni Pandey | August 21, 2024

PM Modi’s Journey

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will travel to Kyiv on August 23, 2024, via Rail Force One, a luxury train, for a 20-hour journey through war-torn Ukraine. Image Credit: Instagram.com/railforceone_official

First Indian PM Visit in 30 Years

This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ukraine in over three decades, invited by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. Image Credit: Instagram.com/railforceone_official

High-Security Train

Rail Force One is a specially designed high-security train, frequently used for diplomatic missions, offering a safe travel option through Ukraine due to the ongoing conflict. Image Credit: Instagram.com/railforceone_official

Luxurious Amenities

The train features wood-panelled interiors, meeting spaces with a large table, plush sofas, a wall-mounted TV, and comfortable sleeping accommodations, ensuring a relaxed journey. Image Credit: Instagram.com/railforceone_official

Used by World Leaders

This train has been used by over 200 diplomatic missions, including US President Joe Biden, former UK PM Rishi Sunak, French President Emmanuel Macron, and more. Image Credit: Instagram.com/railforceone_official

Diplomatic Highway

With air travel restricted due to the war, Rail Force One has become the primary mode of transport for politicians and world leaders visiting Ukraine. Image Credit: Instagram.com/railforceone_official

Origins of the Train

Originally built in 2014 to cater to tourists visiting Crimea, the train was repurposed after Russia’s annexation of Crimea to safely transport global leaders across Ukraine. Image Credit: Instagram.com/railforceone_official

President Zelensky’s Preferred Transport

Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky regularly uses Rail Force One for his diplomatic travels, making it a vital asset for the country’s diplomacy. Image Credit: Instagram.com/railforceone_official