Prime Minister Narendra Modi on January 17, 2026, unveiled a series of major railway initiatives in Malda, West Bengal, including the launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and multiple Amrit Bharat Express services, as part of a broader infrastructure push aimed at strengthening rail connectivity across eastern and southern India.
At a public event attended by senior officials and local leaders, Mr. Modi dedicated these projects — collectively worth over ₹3,250 crore — to the nation, highlighting their potential to enhance travel convenience, support economic linkages, and boost regional development.
First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
In a first for Indian Railways, the Prime Minister flagged off the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route from Malda Town railway station. This new semi‑high‑speed service is designed to offer an airline‑like travel experience with fully air‑conditioned sleeper coaches, bringing modern comfort to one of the country’s key long‑distance routes.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to reduce travel time by around 2.5 hours compared with conventional overnight trains, while also improving safety and passenger convenience. A return service between Guwahati and Howrah was also virtually flagged off during the ceremony.
Officials have described the new sleeper service as a game‑changer for long‑distance rail travel, with improved amenities and efficiency that could rival well‑established trains such as the Rajdhani Express in comfort and schedule performance.
Amrit Bharat Express Services and Regional Connectivity
In addition to the Vande Bharat Sleeper, Mr. Modi virtually inaugurated four new Amrit Bharat Express trains, enhancing long‑distance connectivity for passengers across several regions. These services are intended to support the mobility needs of citizens, students, migrant workers and traders by linking major cities with improved rail infrastructure.
The newly introduced Amrit Bharat Express routes include connections from New Jalpaiguri to Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli, as well as Alipurduar to Bengaluru and Mumbai (Panvel). These additions are part of the government’s effort to strengthen connectivity between North Bengal, South India, and the west coast.
Mr. Modi also flagged off two additional express services equipped with modern Linke Hofmann Busch (LHB) coaches to further boost travel comfort and access for passengers, particularly those journeying to major employment and IT hubs such as Bengaluru.
Railway and Road Infrastructure Boost
Alongside the train launches, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for four major railway projects in West Bengal. These include:
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A new rail line between Balurghat and Hili
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Next‑generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri
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Upgradation of the Siliguri Loco Shed
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Modernisation of Vande Bharat maintenance facilities in the Jalpaiguri district
Electrification of key regional rail lines was also inaugurated to facilitate cleaner and faster train operations.
Road infrastructure improvements — including the four‑laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of National Highway 31D — were announced to strengthen regional connectivity further.
Impact and Outlook
Officials and government statements underscore that these projects will not only make train travel safer, faster and more comfortable but also generate employment opportunities and enhance commerce between eastern, northeastern and southern parts of the country.
The launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper service represents a significant milestone in the modernisation of Indian Railways — especially for overnight travel — and highlights the government’s emphasis on technological advancement and improved passenger experience in the nation’s rail network.
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