Malda: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday unveiled a series of railway projects in Malda, marking what he described as a major boost to connectivity and infrastructure in West Bengal. Addressing a public gathering, the prime minister said that the region is witnessing transformative development, with new train services, modern facilities, and expanded maintenance capacity.
The PM formally flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train, calling it a milestone in the country’s railway modernisation journey. The long-distance train, connecting West Bengal and Assam, is equipped to offer a more comfortable overnight travel experience. In a post on X, Modi said the new train reflects India’s aspiration for a developed transport network and represents a technological leap led by domestic manufacturing.
“Today, we are seeing a dream come true – a made-in-India sleeper train that matches global standards,” Modi said, adding that passengers he met at Malda station described the service as a unique experience.
The PM also launched four new Amrit Bharat Express trains linking North Bengal with southern and western India. The routes include new Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, new Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru, and Alipurduar–Mumbai, according to an official statement. He noted that these services will benefit pilgrims, tourists, and workers, reduce travel time, and improve access between states.
Modi underlined that more than 150 Vande Bharat trains are currently operational across the country, and said railway electrification, modern stations, and new high-speed corridors are driving an unprecedented transformation. He emphasized that the ongoing upgrades are particularly beneficial to poor and middle-class households.
The PM also highlighted India’s growing self-reliance in railway manufacturing, pointing out that the country now produces more locomotives than the US and Europe and exports passenger and metro coaches to multiple countries. He said this industrial expansion has strengthened the economy and created jobs for young workers.
Modi concluded by reiterating that enhancing national connectivity remains a core priority for the government. “Joining India, reducing distances – this is our mission,” he said, before departing for a second event in the region.
