PM Narendra Modi Flags Off Modern Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat Trains in Bengal

Image Source : @narendramodi on X

Dated 17th January 2026

News By Dr. B R Abdul Wajid

Editor in Chief

West Bengal | Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth more than ₹3,250 crore at Malda in West Bengal. These projects are aimed at strengthening connectivity, improving passenger comfort and accelerating development in the region.

Addressing the gathering, Prime Minister Modi said that another major step has been taken towards the modernization of Indian Railways with the introduction of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in the country. He said that this new initiative will bring world-class travel facilities to long-distance passengers.

In a message on X, PM Narendra Modi said, “A memorable interaction with my young friends at Malda Station. There is immense enthusiasm on the flagging off of the first Vande Bharat sleeper train!” – Image Source : @narendramodi on X

The Prime Minister highlighted that the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will connect the land of Mother Kali in West Bengal with the land of Mother Kamakhya in Assam. He said that this modern sleeper train marks a historic moment for Indian Railways and will be expanded to many parts of the country in the coming days. He congratulated the people of Bengal, Assam and the entire nation on the launch of this advanced train service.

PM Modi also announced that West Bengal has received four more modern Amrit Bharat Express trains. These include the New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express, Alipurduar–Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express and Alipurduar–Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express.

He said that these new train services will greatly improve connectivity between Bengal, especially North Bengal, and South and West India. The Prime Minister added that better transport infrastructure will support economic growth, tourism, employment and ease of travel for people across the country.

The Prime Minister reiterated the Centre’s commitment to developing modern, safe and fast railway and road infrastructure to ensure balanced development across all regions of India.