PM Flags Off First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on 17 January inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for rail and road infrastructure projects worth over ₹3,250 crore at Malda, West Bengal, aimed at improving regional connectivity and accelerating development in West Bengal and the North-Eastern region.

Key Highlights

• Launch of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains marked a major milestone in India’s rail modernisation.
• PM visited Malda Town Railway Station and flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route.
• The Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Train was also virtually flagged off.

About Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

• Fully air-conditioned, designed for long-distance overnight travel.
• Offers an airline-like travel experience at economical fares.
• Focus on speed, safety, comfort, and convenience for passengers.
• Tailored to meet the growing mobility needs of modern India.

Connectivity & Travel Benefits

• Reduces travel time by ~2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route.
• Enhances rail connectivity between Eastern India and the North-East.
• Expected to provide a significant boost to religious tourism, trade, and regional economic integration.

Broader Significance

• Strengthens India’s infrastructure-led growth strategy.
• Improves inter-regional connectivity, supporting inclusive development.
• Reinforces the role of next-generation trains in transforming Indian Railways.