NEW DELHI: Prime Minister Narendra Modi has officially launched India's first sleeper Vande Bharat train, a landmark development for railway connectivity between Kolkata and Guwahati. The inauguration took place at the New Delhi Railway Station, with Modi expressing enthusiasm for the enhanced travel experience the new train would offer to passengers. "This sleeper service is a step towards modernizing Indian Railways, making travel not just faster, but more comfortable," Modi stated during the event.

The first service of the sleeper Vande Bharat train is set to cover the distance of approximately 1,000 kilometers between Kolkata and Guwahati in around 24 hours. The train has been equipped with modern amenities including GPS-based passenger information systems, automatic doors, and bio-vacuum toilets. It promises to be a game-changer in facilitating tourism and trade between these two vibrant regions of India.

The government has emphasized that this service is part of a larger initiative to modernize the rail network in the country, which aims to improve infrastructure and reduce travel times significantly. Experts believe that the introduction of sleeper coaches in the Vande Bharat series could also help meet the growing demand for comfortable overnight travel options, particularly in regions with a rich cultural and historical significance.

This move holds substantial significance for the common citizen as it positions rail travel as an attractive alternative to road and air travel, contributing to economic growth and regional development. As tourism and commerce increase along this route, local economies are expected to thrive, further enhancing India's growth landscape.