PM Modi flags off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah-Guwahati in poll-bound West Bengal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train connecting Howrah and Guwahati, significantly reducing travel time. This fully air-conditioned train aims to provide an airline-like experience at economical fares. The initiative, part of a larger infrastructure development push, also includes dedicating and laying foundation stones for projects worth Rs 3,250 crore.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town Railway Station on Saturday, boosting rail connectivity in poll-bound West Bengal. He also virtually flagged off the return Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper train.

The train reduces travel time on the Howrah–Guwahati route by almost 2.5 hours. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India. "The fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to offer passengers an airline-like travel experience at economical fares," the government said in a release.

Later during the day, PM Modi will dedicate to the nation, and lay the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects, worth Rs 3,250 crore.

He is on a two-day visit to eastern India as the countdown to the 2026 assembly elections enters its decisive phase.

Also read: Vande Bharat sleeper train route announced: Check fare and other details

Union Minister of Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw reached West Bengal on Friday to inspect preparations ahead of the prime minister's flag-off of the Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat trains. "Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, 101 stations in West Bengal are being redeveloped. PM Modi has allocated Rs 13,000 crore for railway development in the state," he told reporters.

For the redevelopment of the NJP (New Jalpaiguri) station, Vaishnaw said that two new stations are being added along with an IT hub. The government is also expanding the maintenance facility of trains in the state.

"Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw inspected the ongoing modernisation work at the NJP railway station. The Indian government is building a world-class station at NJP at a cost of Rs 500 crore, which is expected to be completed by next year," BJP MP Raju Bista told reporters.

"There is a strong possibility of a metro system here. I have already discussed this with the minister. However, based on the current population, its feasibility is not very high at the moment. Therefore, it will take some time. He suggested the "Namo Train" concept... but its speed and technology will be similar to that of the metro, which was recently implemented in Bengaluru," Bista added.Add as a Reliable and Trusted News Source Add Now!

Source: EconomicTimes
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