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Vande Bharat Sleeper to Amrit Bharat Express: PM Modi flags off 7 new trains in West Bengal, dedicates several projects worth Rs 3,250 cr

Narendra Modi in West Bengal: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off seven new trains, including the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, from Malda Town in West Bengal.

3 min readUpdated: Jan 17, 2026 01:51 PM IST

PM Modi to flag off new trains in West Bengal including Vande Bharat Sleeper train

PM Modi visit to West Bengal, PM Modi at Malda Town: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has flagged off seven new trains, including the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, from Malda Town in West Bengal. He has also dedicated to the nation and laid the foundation stone for multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore.

Also Read | Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express ticket booking to begin soon – 5 things every passengers should know

PM Modi launches Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya)

The Prime Minister flagged off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route from Malda Town railway station. He also virtually flagged off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper service.

This new semi-high-speed train will make long-distance journeys faster, safer, and more convenient. It will reduce the travel time by around 2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route.

Also Read | Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train to commence inaugural run on Jan 17 – check timings, stoppages

PM Modi flags off 4 new Amrit Bharat Express trains – check routes

PM Modi also flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains. These trains are expected to further enhance affordable and reliable long-distance rail connectivity. These services will support the mobility needs of common citizens, students, migrant workers and traders, while strengthening inter-state economic and social linkages.

These trains will run on the following routes:

New Jalpaiguri- Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express
New Jalpaiguri- Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express
Alipurduar – SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express
Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express

Also Read | Alipurduar-SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express: Train number, route, stoppages, frequency, time table

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PM Modi flags off 2 new Express trains – check routes

The Prime Minister also flagged off two new train services equipped with LHB coaches. These new trains will provide the region’s youth, students and IT professionals with direct, safe and comfortable travel connectivity to major IT and employment hubs. These trains are:

Radhikapur – SMVT Bengaluru Express
Balurghat – SMVT Bengaluru Express

PM Modi to lay foundation stone of 4 major railway projects in West Bengal

Later, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of four major railway projects in West Bengal, including the 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.

Also Read | Vande Bharat Sleeper Express fare: How much it will cost from Howrah/Kamakhya to Malda, NJP

PM Modi dedicates electrification of rail lines

The Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation the electrification of rail lines between New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat. The electrification will enable faster, cleaner and more energy-efficient train operations.

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Apart from the railway projects, the Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for the four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of National Highway-31D. This is one of the key road project that will improve regional road connectivity and facilitate smoother movement of passengers and goods in North Bengal.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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