MALDA: Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's inaugural sleeper Vande Bharat train on Saturday, marking a significant milestone for Indian Railways. The new service connects Howrah in Kolkata with Kamakhya in Guwahati and is aimed at enhancing travel and trade routes in the region. At a ceremony held in Malda, Modi expressed excitement over the launch, emphasizing that the new train symbolizes a modernized and self-sufficient Indian Railways system.

The sleeper train, which will operate six days a week, offers a travel window of approximately 14 hours, departing Howrah at 6:20 p.m. and Kamakhya at 6:15 p.m. Modi remarked, "This first sleeper Vande Bharat train is now joining the land of Ma Kali with the land of Ma Kamakhya," highlighting the cultural significance of this connectivity. Additionally, he announced the virtual launch of four other trains connecting various states to reinforce the railway network across West Bengal, positioning the move as part of the government's broader agenda ahead of upcoming elections.

In recent years, the Indian Railways has seen considerable upgrades with the introduction of Vande Bharat trains, and Modi took pride in stating that there are now 150 such trains operational across the nation. Accompanying him at the event was Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, who mentioned that local specialty cuisine from Bengal and Assam would be available on the new sleeper train, further enhancing passenger experience.

The project comes at a time when the Indian government is investing heavily in infrastructure, with Modi laying the foundation for various road and railway initiatives valued at ₹3,250 crore. These include a new rail line and upgraded freight facilities, underscoring the government's commitment to improving the country’s transportation framework for the future.