By PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Malda in West Bengal
Malda (West Bengal): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, January 17, 2026, flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town railway station in north Bengal.
The Prime Minister also virtually flagged off the return Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda, marking a major milestone in India’s long-distance rail travel modernisation.
Airline-Like Comfort at Affordable Fares
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO), the fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat sleeper train has been developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India and will offer passengers an “airline-like travel experience at economical fares.”
Designed for overnight and long-distance journeys, the sleeper version of Vande Bharat aims to deliver faster, safer, and more comfortable travel for passengers.
Reduced Travel Time on Howrah–Guwahati Route
The PMO statement said the new train will reduce travel time by approximately 2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati route, significantly improving connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast.
The reduced journey time is also expected to boost religious tourism and regional travel, benefiting passengers travelling to key pilgrimage and tourist destinations across Assam, West Bengal, and the Northeast.
Also Read – PM Modi to flag off 11 trains, including Vande Bharat Sleeper, connecting Assam and Bengal
₹3,250 Crore Infrastructure Projects in Bengal and Northeast
Later in the day, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth ₹3,250 crore at a public programme in Malda.
These projects aim to strengthen connectivity, improve logistics, and accelerate economic development in West Bengal and the Northeastern states.
Focus on Development Ahead of 2026 Assembly Elections
PM Modi is on a two-day visit to eastern India, covering poll-bound West Bengal and Assam. The visit combines major infrastructure launches with high-impact political outreach, as preparations intensify ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections in both states.
