PM Modi inaugurates rail, road projects worth ₹3,250 crore in Malda; flags off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth more than ₹3,250 crore at Malda in West Bengal, aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in the state and the North-Eastern region.
Addressing a public gathering, the Prime Minister said that from Malda, the campaign to accelerate the progress of West Bengal had gained fresh momentum. He noted that several projects related to rail and road infrastructure had been inaugurated and dedicated, which would make travel easier, facilitate trade and commerce, and create new opportunities for the youth through modern train maintenance facilities.
A key highlight of the event was the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in India. The PM said this marked another major step towards the modernization of Indian Railways. He stated that the new Vande Bharat Sleeper train would make long-distance journeys more comfortable and “splendid,” reflecting the vision of trains in a developed India. Recalling his interaction with passengers at Malda station, the Prime Minister said they described the journey as an extraordinary experience.
The Prime Minister noted that India had earlier admired foreign trains through pictures, but that dream was now being realised at home. He added that foreign tourists were increasingly sharing videos showcasing the transformation of Indian Railways. Emphasising the ‘Make in India’ initiative, PM Modi said the Vande Bharat Sleeper train was built with the hard work and dedication of Indians.
He pointed out that the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train connects the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya, linking Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). He said that in the coming times, this modern sleeper train would expand across the entire country, and congratulated Bengal, Assam, and the nation on the milestone.
Prime Minister Modi underlined that Indian Railways is undergoing rapid transformation through electrification of rail lines and modernization of stations. He said that more than 150 Vande Bharat trains are currently running across the country, including in West Bengal, benefiting poor and middle-class families. Alongside this, a complete network of modern and high-speed trains is being developed.
The Prime Minister announced that West Bengal has received four more modern Amrit Bharat Express trains—New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru, and Alipurduar–Mumbai (Panvel). He said these trains would further strengthen connectivity between Bengal, especially North Bengal, and South and Western India. He added that the services would ease travel for pilgrims visiting Gangasagar, Dakshineswar and Kalighat, as well as for passengers travelling to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Emphasising self-reliance, the PM said Indian Railways is becoming not only modern but also Atmanirbhar. He highlighted that India now manufactures more locomotives than America and Europe, and exports passenger and metro coaches to several countries, boosting the economy and generating employment for the youth. The PM added that connecting India and reducing distances is a national mission, reflected clearly in the day’s programme.
