 Early Times Report
MALDA, Jan 17: Malda: Prime Minister of India Narendra Modi today flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express train, connecting Howrah with Guwahati (Kamakhya), from Malda Town Railway Station.
The Prime Minister also virtually flagged off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express virtually.
In addition, four new Amrit Bharat Express trains and two new LHB-coach-equipped express services were flagged off, further enhancing affordable and reliable long-distance rail connectivity.
This landmark event marked a significant milestone in the modernization of Indian Railways and a major boost to rail connectivity between Eastern and the North-Eastern region.
On the occasion, the Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth more than Rs. 3,250 Cr. from Malda, aimed at strengthening connectivity, enhancing logistics efficiency and accelerating socio-economic development in West Bengal, Assam and the North-East.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister stated that from the sacred lands of Bengal & Assam, a new chapter in railway modernization has begun with the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. He highlighted that this state-of-the-art, fully air-conditioned sleeper train will make long-distance journeys faster, safer and more comfortable, while offering an airline-like travel experience at economical fares. The Prime Minister emphasized that the train, developed under the ‘Make in India’ initiative, reflects the vision of a developed and self-reliant India.
The Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Express which was virtually flagged off by the PM is expected to reduce travel time by approximately 2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, connecting the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya, will give a significant boost to religious tourism, trade, and people-to-people connectivity.
As part of the programme, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone of four major railway projects in West Bengal, including a new rail line between Balurghat and Hili, next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, upgradation of the Siliguri Loco Shed, and modernization of Vande Bharat train maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district. These initiatives will strengthen passenger and freight operations, improve logistics efficiency in North Bengal and generate employment opportunities in the region.
The Prime Minister also dedicated to the Nation the electrification of railway sections between New Coochbehar-Bamanhat and New Coochbehar-Boxirhat, enabling faster, cleaner, and more energy-efficient train operations.
Further expanding long-distance connectivity, the Prime Minister virtually flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains-New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar–SMVT Bengaluru, and Alipurduar–Mumbai (Panvel). These services will provide affordable and reliable rail travel options for common citizens, students, migrant workers and traders, while strengthening inter-state economic and social linkages.
Additionally, two new LHB-coach-equipped express services-Radhikapur-SMVT Bengaluru Express and Balurghat-SMVT Bengaluru Express were also flagged off.
At Guwahati (Kamakhya), Governor of Assam Shri Lakshman Prasad Acharya, Chief Minister of Assam, Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma, Union Minister of State for External Affairs and Textiles Shri Pabitra Margherita, Cabinet Minister of Assam Chandra Mohan Patowary, MP Shri Bhubaneswar Kalita, MP Bijuli Kalita Medhi & MP Pradan Baruah, senior railway officials and other dignitaries were present on the occasion at Kamakhya for the flagging off of the Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Howrah 1st Vande Bharat Sleeper Express train.
Governor of West Bengal C V Ananda Bose, Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur, Union Minister of State Sukanta Majumdar, senior railway officials, and other dignitaries were present on the occasion at Malda.
The commissioning of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express and the launch of multiple infrastructure and service initiatives reaffirm Indian Railways’ commitment to creating a modern, passenger-centric, and future-ready rail network, while positioning Eastern and North-Eastern India as key drivers of national growth. |
