Major Infrastructure Boost to Strengthen Connectivity with Northeast
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, aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in the state and the North-Eastern region.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that from Malda, the campaign to fast-track West Bengal’s progress has gained fresh momentum. He noted that several development projects related to rail and road infrastructure have been inaugurated and dedicated, which will make travel easier and boost trade and commerce. Modi added that new train maintenance facilities will also create fresh employment opportunities for the youth of Bengal.
Launch of India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
A New Era of Comfortable Long-Distance Rail Travel
Highlighting a major milestone in the modernization of Indian Railways, the Prime Minister announced the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains in the country. He said the new Vande Bharat sleeper train would make long journeys more comfortable, modern, and memorable for passengers.
Recalling his interaction with passengers at Malda station, Shri Modi said travelers described their journey as an extraordinary experience. He observed that while people once admired foreign trains, India is now realizing that dream with world-class trains made domestically. He emphasized that the Vande Bharat sleeper train is fully Made in India, built through the hard work and dedication of Indian engineers and workers.
The Prime Minister noted that the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train connects the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya, symbolizing cultural and regional integration. He added that such modern trains will expand across the nation in the coming years and congratulated Bengal, Assam, and the entire country on this achievement.
Rapid Transformation of Indian Railways
Electrification, Modern Stations and High-Speed Trains
PM Modi underlined that Indian Railways is undergoing a massive transformation through electrification of railway lines and modernization of stations. He pointed out that more than 150 Vande Bharat trains, including those in West Bengal, are now operational across the country.
He announced the introduction of four new Amrit Bharat Express trains for Bengal:
- New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil
- New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli
- Alipurduar–Bengaluru
- Alipurduar–Mumbai
These trains will enhance connectivity between North Bengal and southern and western parts of India, benefiting pilgrims traveling to Gangasagar, Dakshineswar, and Kalighat, as well as passengers heading to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Railways Becoming Modern and Self-Reliant
Boost to Economy and Employment
Emphasizing self-reliance, the Prime Minister said Indian Railways is not only becoming modern but also a global manufacturing hub. He noted that India now manufactures more locomotives than America and Europe and exports passenger and metro coaches to several countries, strengthening the economy and generating employment for the youth.
He concluded by stating that connecting India and reducing distances is a national mission, clearly reflected in the projects inaugurated today.
Key Projects Launched and Announced
- Flagging off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya), reducing travel time by around 2.5 hours.
- Foundation stone for four major railway projects, including:
- Balurghat–Hili new rail line
- Freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri
- Upgradation of Siliguri Loco Shed
- Modern Vande Bharat maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district
- Dedication of electrified rail lines between New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat.
- Flagging off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains to improve affordable long-distance connectivity.
- Launch of two new LHB-coach train services connecting Balurghat and Radhikapur with Bengaluru.
- Foundation stone for four-laning and rehabilitation of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of NH-31D.
Strengthening Eastern and North-Eastern India
These projects are expected to significantly improve rail and road connectivity, enhance logistics efficiency, boost tourism and trade, and generate employment, positioning the Eastern and North-Eastern regions as key growth engines of the nation.
Governor of West Bengal C V Ananda Bose, Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnav, Shantanu Thakur, Sukanta Majumdar, and other dignitaries were present at the event.
