Another major step taken towards modernization of Indian Railways; Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains launched in India – Prime Minister
Prime Minister Narendra Modi Inaugurates and Lays Foundation Stone for Rail and Road Infrastructure Projects Worth Over ₹3,250 Crore in Malda, West Bengal
New Delhi: Prime Minister **Shri Narendra Modi** inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple **rail and road infrastructure projects worth over ₹3,250 crore** in **Malda, West Bengal**. These projects aim to strengthen connectivity in West Bengal and the North-Eastern region and accelerate overall development.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that today’s initiatives from Malda have further accelerated the momentum of development in West Bengal. He noted that several key projects related to the state’s progress have been inaugurated and dedicated to the nation. New rail services launched for West Bengal will make travel easier for people and boost trade and commerce. He emphasized that newly established railway maintenance facilities will also create fresh employment opportunities for the youth of Bengal.
### **Launch of India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train**
The Prime Minister stated that from the sacred land of Bengal, another major milestone has been achieved in the modernization of Indian Railways. He announced the launch of **Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains** in India, beginning today. These trains will make long-distance journeys more **comfortable, modern, and world-class**.
He highlighted that the vision of what trains should look like in a **Developed India** is clearly reflected in the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. The Prime Minister shared that he interacted with passengers at Malda Town Railway Station, who described their journey as an **extraordinary experience**. He recalled that earlier, people admired foreign trains and wished for similar facilities in India—today, that dream has become a reality.
Emphasizing self-reliance, Shri Modi said the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is **“Made in India”**, built through the dedication and hard work of Indian engineers and workers. He noted that the **country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train connects the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya**. He added that this modern train will soon expand across the country and congratulated **West Bengal, Assam, and the entire nation** on this achievement.
### **Expansion of Modern Rail Network**
The Prime Minister said that Indian Railways is undergoing a transformational phase through electrification and station modernization. He informed that **more than 150 Vande Bharat trains** are currently operating across the country, including West Bengal. Along with this, a comprehensive network of modern, high-speed trains is being developed, greatly benefiting poor and middle-class families.
He announced that **West Bengal has received four more modern Amrit Bharat Express trains**:
* **New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express**
* **New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express**
* **Alipurduar–SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express**
* **Alipurduar–Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express**
These trains will significantly strengthen connectivity between **Bengal—especially North Bengal—and South and West India**. They will make travel easier for pilgrims visiting **Gangasagar, Dakshineswar, and Kalighat**, as well as passengers traveling to **Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra**.
### **Railways Becoming Modern and Self-Reliant**
Shri Modi underlined that Indian Railways is not only modernizing but also becoming **Atmanirbhar (self-reliant)**. India’s locomotives, coaches, and metro coaches are emerging as symbols of indigenous technology. He stated that India now manufactures more locomotives than the US and Europe and exports passenger trains and metro coaches to several countries, strengthening the economy and generating employment for youth.
Concluding his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that **connecting India is a priority and reducing distances is a mission**, which was clearly reflected in today’s programme.
The event was attended by **West Bengal Governor Shri C.V. Ananda Bose**, Union Ministers **Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw**, **Shri Shantanu Thakur**, **Shri Sukanta Majumdar**, and other dignitaries.
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## **Background**
* The Prime Minister visited **Malda Town Railway Station**, where he flagged off **India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train** running between **Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya)**. He also virtually flagged off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Train.
* The fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, designed to meet India’s growing transportation needs, will offer an **aircraft-like travel experience at affordable fares**, making long-distance travel faster, safer, and more convenient.
* By reducing travel time on the Howrah–Guwahati route by nearly **2.5 hours**, the train will significantly promote **religious tourism and general tourism**.
### **Rail Infrastructure Projects**
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for four major railway projects in West Bengal, including:
* New railway line between **Balurghat and Hili**
* Next-generation **freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri**
* Upgradation of **Siliguri Loco Shed**
* Modernization of **Vande Bharat train maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district**
These projects will strengthen passenger and freight operations, improve logistics efficiency in North Bengal, and create employment opportunities.
He also dedicated to the nation the **electrification of railway lines between New Cooch Behar–Bamanhat and New Cooch Behar–Boxirhat**, enabling faster, cleaner, and more energy-efficient train operations.
### **New Train Services**
The Prime Minister virtually flagged off:
* Four **Amrit Bharat Express** trains:
* New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil
* New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli
* Alipurduar–SMVT Bengaluru
* Alipurduar–Mumbai (Panvel)
These services will enhance affordable and reliable long-distance connectivity, benefiting common citizens, students, migrant workers, and traders while strengthening inter-state economic and social ties.
* Two new **LHB coach-equipped trains**:
* **Radhikapur–SMVT Bengaluru Express**
* **Balurghat–SMVT Bengaluru Express**
These trains will provide direct, safe, and comfortable connectivity to major IT and employment hubs like Bengaluru, especially for youth, students, and IT professionals.
### **Road Infrastructure**
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the **reconstruction and four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of National Highway-31D**, a vital road project that will improve regional road connectivity and ensure smoother movement of passengers and goods in North Bengal.
Together, these projects will play a crucial role in building **modern infrastructure and enhanced connectivity**, strengthening the **Eastern and North-Eastern regions** as key engines of national development.
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