Malda (West Bengal), Jan 17: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over ₹3,250 crore at Malda, marking a major push towards strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in West Bengal and the North-Eastern region.
Addressing a gathering, the Prime Minister said the initiatives launched from Malda would add momentum to West Bengal’s development journey. He noted that several rail-related projects had been inaugurated and dedicated to the state, including new train services and modern maintenance facilities, which would ease travel, boost trade and commerce, and create fresh employment opportunities for the youth.
Highlighting a key milestone, Modi announced the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in the country. “From the sacred land of Bengal, another major step has been taken towards the modernization of Indian Railways,” he said, adding that the new sleeper variant would make long-distance journeys more comfortable and modern. He said the vision of a developed India’s rail system was reflected in the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains.
The Prime Minister recalled interacting with passengers at Malda station, who described their journey as an extraordinary experience. He said that while people once admired advanced trains abroad, India was now realising that dream at home. Emphasising the ‘Made in India’ aspect, Modi said the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train connects the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya, and would soon expand across the nation. He congratulated West Bengal, Assam and the country on the launch of the modern sleeper service.
Modi said Indian Railways was undergoing a rapid transformation through electrification of rail lines and modernization of stations. He noted that more than 150 Vande Bharat trains, including those serving West Bengal, were currently operational across the country. He also announced the launch of four Amrit Bharat Express trains for the state — New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru and Alipurduar–Mumbai — aimed at improving connectivity between North Bengal and southern and western India.
He said these services would benefit pilgrims travelling to Gangasagar, Dakshineswar and Kalighat, and improve long-distance travel for passengers heading to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra. “Indian Railways is becoming not only modern but also self-reliant,” Modi said, adding that India now manufactures and exports locomotives, passenger coaches and metro coaches, generating employment and strengthening the economy.
West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Union Minister Shantanu Thakur, BJP leader Sukanta Majumdar and other dignitaries were present at the event.
During his visit to Malda Town Railway Station, the Prime Minister flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya), and also virtually flagged off the return Guwahati–Howrah service. The fully air-conditioned sleeper train is designed to offer airline-like comfort at economical fares and is expected to reduce travel time on the Howrah–Guwahati route by around 2.5 hours, boosting tourism and religious travel.
Modi also 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, and modernization of Vande Bharat train maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district. These projects aim to strengthen passenger and freight operations, improve logistics efficiency and generate employment in North Bengal.
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation the electrification of the New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat rail sections, enabling faster, cleaner and more energy-efficient train operations.
He also virtually flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains and two LHB-coach-equipped services — Radhikapur–SMVT Bengaluru Express and Balurghat–SMVT Bengaluru Express — providing safer and more direct connectivity to major employment and IT hubs such as Bengaluru.
In the road sector, Modi laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation and four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata stretch of National Highway-31D, a key project aimed at improving road connectivity and facilitating smoother movement of passengers and goods in North Bengal.
Officials said the projects would play a crucial role in strengthening infrastructure, improving connectivity, and positioning eastern and north-eastern India as key growth engines of the country.
