Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: West Bengal is going to get a special gift on 17th January 2026, that is Saturday. People of West Bengal are going to receive a big gift which includes the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train along with 12 new trains. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will show the green flag to India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Malda Town Railway Station on this day. This train will run between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) and will provide a new experience for long-distance rail travel. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said on Friday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to West Bengal and will gift the state several major rail and road projects during this time.
India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be launched
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnav stated that the first service of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will start from Guwahati to Kolkata. This will be a fully AC Sleeper train, specially designed for long-distance journeys. Passengers on this train will get the comfort of air travel, high speed, better security, and modern amenities. According to the railway, travel time on the Howrah-Guwahati route will be reduced by approximately 2.5 hours, which will boost pilgrimage and tourism as well.
Four new Amrit Bharat Express trains will also be flagged off
Prime Minister Modi will also show the green flag to four new Amrit Bharat Express trains through virtual means.
1. New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express
2. New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express
3. Alipurduar – SMVIT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express
4. Alipurduar – Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express
These trains will strengthen affordable and reliable long-distance connectivity between different parts of the country. It will directly benefit students, migrant workers, small traders, and common passengers.
Railway development in West Bengal to cost 13,000 crores
Rail Minister Ashwini Vaishnav mentioned that Prime Minister Modi has allocated a budget of 13,000 crores for railway development in West Bengal. He said that under the Amrit Bharat Station scheme, 101 railway stations in the state are being redeveloped. During his visit to New Jalpaiguri Station, the Rail Minister informed that two new platforms are being added, the maintenance facilities for trains are being expanded, and a new area is being developed as an IT hub.
Foundation stone for several new railway projects
Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for four major railway projects in West Bengal. This includes the construction of new railway lines like the Balurghat-Hili line, the maintenance facility for the next-generation goods train at New Jalpaiguri, the upgradation of the Siliguri Loco Shed, and the modernization of the maintenance facility for Vande Bharat trains in Jalpaiguri district. These projects will strengthen passenger services along with boosting goods transportation, logistics, and employment opportunities.
Dedication of electrification of two new rail lines to the nation
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will dedicate the electrification of two new rail lines, New Koch Bihar-Bamanhat and New Koch Bihar-Boxirhat, to the nation. This will enable the operation of fast, clean, and energy-efficient trains, reducing dependence on diesel trains.
Start of two new long-distance train services
PM Modi will flag off two new train services with LHB coaches: the Radhikapur-SMVIT Bengaluru Express and the Balurghat-SMVIT Bengaluru Express. These trains will provide direct and comfortable connectivity to Bengaluru, a major employment center, for the youth, students, and IT professionals of North Bengal.
Improving North Bengal’s connectivity through road projects
Along with railway projects, Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the reconstruction of the Dhubguri-Falakata section of National Highway-31D and the construction of a four-lane road. This road project will strengthen regional connectivity and make travel and goods transportation easier for travellers and traders alike.
In conclusion, the government projects will strengthen the modern infrastructure and make the eastern and northeastern regions of India strong and powerful as the country’s major development engines. Overall, 17th January is not just an inauguration program for West Bengal, but it marks the beginning of fast trains, better stations, new jobs, and stronger connectivity.