Modi Flags Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, Announces ₹3,250 Cr Rail-Road Projects in Bengal as Elections Near
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched a sweeping infrastructure initiative from Malda, West Bengal, flagging off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train and inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of multiple rail and road projects worth ₹3,250 crore. This comes as crucial assembly elections are approaching.
The projects are designed to significantly strengthen transport connectivity across Bengal and the broader northeastern region, while also reinforcing what he said is his government’s emphasis on modernization, employment generation, and regional development.
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| Indian PM Modi flagging off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. |
“This train reflects the aspirations of a developed India. It is not just a new service, but a new experience,” he said.
Fully air-conditioned and equipped to offer an airline-like journey at economical fares, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is aimed at transforming overnight rail travel across the country. Modi noted that the train was entirely “Made in India,” built by Indian engineers and workers, and praised it as a symbol of national pride and technological advancement.
The new service also sharply reduces travel time on the Howrah–Kamakhya route by 2.5 hours, while enhancing religious tourism to sites such as Maa Kamakhya in Assam and Maa Kali in Bengal.
Underscoring the broader shift underway in Indian Railways, the Prime Minister said the country has already rolled out over 150 Vande Bharat trains, including several in West Bengal, and is rapidly expanding its network of high-speed, electrified, and modernized services.
He emphasized the economic and social impact of this transformation, especially for poor and middle-class families who depend heavily on affordable rail connectivity.
Modi also flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting New Jalpaiguri with Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli, and Alipurduar with Bengaluru and Mumbai. Designed as cost-effective, high-capacity trains, the Amrit Bharat series will bolster long-distance connectivity between North Bengal and major metros in southern and western India, supporting mobility for pilgrims, migrant workers, students, and traders.
Additionally, two more LHB-coach trains — Radhikapur–SMVT Bengaluru and Balurghat–SMVT Bengaluru — were flagged off, aimed at linking Bengal’s hinterlands to southern India’s IT and employment hubs.
Beyond rolling stock, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for four key railway infrastructure projects in North Bengal. These include the new rail line between Balurghat and Hili, next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, an upgraded loco shed at Siliguri, and a modernized maintenance hub for Vande Bharat trains in Jalpaiguri.
These are expected to improve freight efficiency, enhance logistics competitiveness, and generate employment.
A memorable interaction with my young friends at Malda Station. There is immense enthusiasm on the flagging off of the first Vande Bharat sleeper train! pic.twitter.com/miiTvXWZ6Z
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2026
The electrification of the New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat rail lines was also dedicated to the nation, enabling cleaner, faster, and more efficient operations in the region.
On the road infrastructure front, Modi laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation and four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of National Highway-31D.
The upgrade will enhance regional connectivity and streamline the movement of passengers and goods across key economic corridors in North Bengal.
“Indian Railways is not only becoming modern but self-reliant. Our engines and coaches are being exported worldwide. Today, India manufactures more locomotives than the US and Europe, and this progress is boosting our economy and creating jobs for our youth,” Modi said.
The Prime Minister concluded his address by framing the day’s developments as part of a larger national mission: “Connecting India is a priority. Reducing distances is a mission. And today’s launch reflects both those commitments.”
The event was attended by West Bengal Governor C.V. Ananda Bose, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur, BJP West Bengal President Sukanta Majumdar, and senior BJP leaders including Suvendu Adhikari, Shamik Bhattacharya, and Khagen Murmu.