SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore in West Bengal and flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, a move aimed at strengthening connectivity, accelerating regional development, and modernising the nation’s transport network.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi said the projects will ease travel, boost trade and commerce, and generate employment opportunities for the youth. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, connecting Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya), is fully air-conditioned and designed to reduce travel time by around 2.5 hours on the route, offering passengers a modern, airline-like experience at economical fares.
The Prime Minister highlighted that the new trains, along with maintenance facilities, will expand India’s modern rail network, making long-distance travel faster, safer, and more convenient. He emphasized that the initiative reflects India’s vision for a self-reliant and technologically advanced railway system.
During the event, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for four major railway projects, including a new line between Balurghat and Hili, next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, modernization of the Siliguri Loco Shed, and upgraded Vande Bharat train maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district. Additionally, he inaugurated the electrification of rail lines between New Coochbehar Bamanhat and New Coochbehar Boxirhat, aimed at faster and more energy-efficient train operations.
The Prime Minister also virtually flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains—New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru, and Alipurduar–Mumbai—strengthening connectivity between North Bengal and South and Western India. Two additional services, Radhikapur–Bengaluru and Balurghat–Bengaluru Express trains, were also launched to facilitate travel for students, IT professionals, and workers.
In the road sector, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for the rehabilitation and four-laning of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of National Highway 31D, aimed at improving regional road connectivity and facilitating smoother movement of passengers and goods in North Bengal.
The Prime Minister stated that the expansion of rail and road infrastructure will not only support mobility for citizens but also bolster regional economic growth, tourism, and inter-state trade, positioning Eastern and North-Eastern India as key drivers of national development.
Governor of West Bengal CV Ananda Bose and Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnav, Shantanu Thakur, and Sukanta Majumdar were present at the event, along with other dignitaries and officials.
