PM Narendra Modi flags off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda, launches projects worth Rs 3,250 crore.

Kolkata, January 17, 2026: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) at Malda Town Railway Station.

The flag-off ceremony was held at around 12:45 pm.

During his visit to Malda, the Prime Minister dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,250 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in West Bengal and the North-Eastern region.

At Malda Town railway Station, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, designed to cater to the growing transportation needs of modern India.

The train promises an airline-like travel experience at economical fares, offering faster, safer, and more comfortable long-distance journeys.

It will reduce travel time on the Howrah—Guwahati (Kamakhya) route by around 2.5 hours, providing a significant boost to tourism and religious travel.

PM Narendra Modi has also flagged off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)—Howrah Vande Bharat train virtually:

The Prime Minister also virtually flagged off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)—Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Train.

In addition, Modi laid the foundation stone of four major railway projects in West Bengal.

These include a new railway 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 are expected to strengthen passenger and freight operations, improve logistics efficiency in North Bengal, and generate employment opportunities.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi also dedicated to the nation the electrification of the new Coochnehar—Bamanhat and New Coochbehar—Boxirhat rail sections, enabling faster, cleaner and more energy-efficient train operations.

PM Modi also flagged off four new Amrit Bharat trains:

  Further expanding rail connectivity, PM Modi virtually flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains—New Jalpaiguri—Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri—Tiruchirappali, Alipurduar—SMVT Bengaluru, and Alipurduar—Mumbai (Panvel).

These services will enhance affordable and reliable long-distance travel, benefiting students, migrant workers, traders and other passengers, while strengthening inter-state economic and social ties.

The Prime Minister Narendra Modi also flagged off two new trains equipped with LHB coaches—Radhikapur—SMVT Bengaluru Express and Balurghat—SMVT Bengaluru Express—providing direct, safe, and comfortable connectivity to major IT and employment hubs such as Bengaluru.

On the road infrastructure front, Modi laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation and four0laning of the Dhupguri—Falakata stretch of National Highway-31D, a key project that will improve road connectivity and facilitate smoother movement of passengers and goods in North Bengal.

These projects are expected to play a crucial role in modern infrastructure development and enhanced connectivity, strengthening the Eastern and North-eastern regions as important growth engines of the nation.

Also Read: India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train introduced; Guwahati-Kolkata route to begin in January.

EOM.