Prime Minister Narendra Modi Flags Off India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

Addressing a large gathering, the Prime Minister said that from Malda, the campaign to fast-track West Bengal’s development has gained fresh momentum. He noted that the newly inaugurated projects will make travel easier, boost trade and commerce, and create new employment opportunities, particularly for the youth, with the establishment of modern train maintenance facilities in the state.

India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launched

A key highlight of the visit was the flagging off of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). Shri Modi said the introduction of sleeper-class Vande Bharat trains represents a major step in the modernization of Indian Railways, making long-distance travel more comfortable, faster and world-class.

“This Vande Bharat sleeper train reflects the vision of trains in a developed India,” the Prime Minister said, adding that the train is Made in India, built with Indian technology and skills. He noted that the train connects the land of Maa Kali with Maa Kamakhya, and will significantly boost tourism and religious travel while reducing travel time on the route by around 2.5 hours.

More Modern Trains for Bengal

The Prime Minister highlighted that over 150 Vande Bharat trains are now running across the country. He also announced four new Amrit Bharat Express trains for Bengal:

• New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil

• New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli

• Alipurduar – SMVT Bengaluru

• Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel)

These trains will enhance affordable long-distance connectivity, benefiting pilgrims, students, migrant workers, traders, and families, while strengthening links between Bengal, South India and Western India.

In addition, two new LHB-coach train services — Radhikapur–SMVT Bengaluru Express and Balurghat–SMVT Bengaluru Express — were flagged off to improve safe and comfortable connectivity to major IT and employment hubs.

Rail, Road and Logistics Boost

The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for four major railway projects, including:

• A new Balurghat–Hili rail line

• Next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri

• Upgradation of Siliguri Loco Shed

• Modernization of Vande Bharat maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district

He dedicated the electrification of the New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat rail lines to the nation and laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of NH-31D, improving road connectivity in North Bengal.

Commenting on the significance of the announcements, Mrs. Mata Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said: “The inauguration of ₹3,250 crore worth of rail and road projects in Malda underscores the Government of India’s strong commitment to transforming connectivity in Eastern and North-Eastern India. The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is a landmark moment, reflecting how indigenous technology is redefining long-distance rail travel. Such investments not only improve passenger comfort and logistics efficiency but also create sustainable employment and position regions like North Bengal as critical growth engines of the national economy.”

A Step Towards a Connected, Self-Reliant India

Prime Minister Modi emphasised that Indian Railways is becoming modern and self-reliant, with India now manufacturing and exporting locomotives, coaches and metro trains to the world. He concluded by stating that connecting India and reducing distances remains a national mission — one that was clearly reflected in the projects inaugurated at Malda.

The event was attended by Governor of West Bengal Shri C V Ananda Bose, Union Ministers Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Shri Shantanu Thakur, Shri Sukanta Majumdar, and other senior officials.