Malda (West Bengal): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said that the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train would redefine long-distance rail travel in India by offering a more comfortable and premium journey experience. He was addressing a public gathering after flagging off the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper service from Malda in West Bengal.
Highlighting the development push in the state, the Prime Minister said that West Bengal’s growth drive had gained fresh momentum. He noted that several development projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid during the programme, aimed at strengthening infrastructure and boosting economic activity.
The Prime Minister announced new railway services and facilities for the state, stating that these initiatives would improve passenger mobility while also supporting trade and business. He added that newly created track maintenance facilities would open up employment opportunities for the youth in the region.
Describing the occasion as a milestone for Indian Railways, PM Modi said that the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train marked a significant step towards railway modernisation. He explained that the sleeper version would make overnight and long-distance journeys more convenient and enjoyable for passengers.
The Prime Minister revealed that the first Vande Bharat sleeper service would run between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya), symbolically connecting the land of Goddess Kali with the land of Goddess Kamakhya. He said that similar modern sleeper trains would be introduced across the country in the coming years.
Congratulating the people of West Bengal and Assam, PM Modi announced that the state had also received four new Amrit Bharat Express trains. These include services connecting New Jalpaiguri with Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli, as well as trains linking Alipurduar with Bengaluru and Mumbai.
Speaking on the broader transformation of the rail sector, the Prime Minister said that connectivity between North Bengal and southern and western parts of India would be further strengthened. He pointed out that Indian Railways is witnessing rapid changes, including large-scale electrification, station redevelopment, and the operation of over 150 Vande Bharat trains across the country, including several in West Bengal.
Emphasising the long-term vision, PM Modi said that a nationwide network of modern and high-speed trains is being developed, with the people of Bengal directly benefiting from this transformation.
The flagging off of India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda marks a key milestone in the ongoing efforts to modernise Indian Railways, offering passengers a new standard of comfort on long-distance routes.
