Malda, West Bengal : Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth ₹3,250 crore at Malda, West Bengal. These initiatives aim to strengthen connectivity and accelerate development in West Bengal and the North-Eastern region.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister remarked that from Malda today, the campaign to accelerate the progress of West Bengal has gained further momentum. He highlighted that several projects related to the state’s development have just been inaugurated and dedicated. Modi stated that new rail services have been introduced for West Bengal, noting that these projects will make travel easier for the people while facilitating trade and commerce. He emphasized that the newly established train maintenance facilities will provide fresh opportunities for the youth of Bengal.
Launch of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
Underlining that from the sacred land of Bengal another major step has been taken towards the modernization of Indian Railways, Shri Modi announced the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains in India. He stated that this new train will make long journeys more comfortable and splendid, reflecting the vision of a developed India.
The Prime Minister shared that he had interacted with passengers at Malda station, all of whom expressed that traveling in the train was an extraordinary experience. He recalled that earlier people used to look at pictures of foreign trains and wish for similar ones in India, and today that dream is being realized. Shri Modi added that foreign tourists are now making videos showcasing the revolution in Indian Railways. He underlined that the Vande Bharat train is Made in India, built with the hard work and dedication of Indians.
He noted that the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train connects the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya. He further stated that this modern train will expand across the nation in the coming time, congratulating Bengal, Assam, and the entire country on this achievement.
Transformation of Indian Railways
Prime Minister Modi remarked that Indian Railways is undergoing a transformation, with electrification of railway lines and modernization of stations. He highlighted that more than 150 Vande Bharat trains are currently running across the country, including in West Bengal.
He announced that Bengal has received four new Amrit Bharat Express trains—New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru, and Alipurduar–Mumbai. These trains will strengthen connectivity between Bengal, especially North Bengal, and South and Western India. He noted that they will also make travel easier for pilgrims visiting Gangasagar, Dakshineswar, and Kalighat, as well as for those traveling to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
“Indian Railways is becoming not only modern but also self-reliant,” emphasized Modi, highlighting that India’s rail engines, coaches, and metro coaches are emerging as symbols of national technology. He stated that India now manufactures more locomotives than America and Europe and exports passenger and metro coaches to many countries, benefiting the economy and creating employment opportunities for the youth.
Modi concluded by emphasizing that connecting India is a priority and reducing distances is a mission, clearly reflected in today’s program.
Governor of West Bengal Shri C V Ananda Bose, Union Ministers Shri Ashwini Vaishnav, Shri Shantanu Thakur, and Shri Sukanta Majumdar were present among other dignitaries at the event.
Background
At Malda Town Railway Station, the Prime Minister flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). He also virtually flagged off the return service from Guwahati (Kamakhya) to Howrah.
Developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India, the fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper train offers passengers an airline-like travel experience at economical fares. It will make long-distance journeys faster, safer, and more convenient. By reducing travel time by around 2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati route, the train will also give a major boost to religious travel and tourism.
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
- 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 generate employment opportunities in the region.
He also dedicated to the nation the electrification of rail lines between New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat, enabling faster, cleaner, and more energy-efficient train operations.
Additionally, the Prime Minister virtually flagged off four new 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 rail connectivity, supporting the mobility needs of common citizens, students, migrant workers, and traders, while strengthening inter-state economic and social linkages.
He also flagged off two new train services equipped with LHB coaches—Radhikapur–SMVT Bengaluru Express and Balurghat–SMVT Bengaluru Express—providing direct, safe, and comfortable travel connectivity to major IT and employment hubs such as Bengaluru.
The Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation and four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of National Highway-31D, a key road project that will improve regional connectivity and facilitate smoother movement of passengers and goods in North Bengal.
Conclusion
These projects mark a significant step in building modern infrastructure and improving connectivity, strengthening the Eastern and North-Eastern regions as key growth engines of the nation.
