NE BUSINESS BUREAU
KOLKATA/CHENNAI, JAN 17
Multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth more than ₹3,250 crore were inaugurated and foundation stones laid at Malda, West Bengal, marking a major push to strengthen connectivity and accelerate development across Bengal and the North-Eastern region.
மேற்கு வங்க மாநிலம் மால்தாவிலிருந்து வந்தே பாரத் படுக்கை வசதி கொண்ட (Sleeper) ரயிலை பிரதமர் திரு @narendramodi கொடியசைத்து தொடங்கி வைத்தார்.@AshwiniVaishnaw @RailMinIndia #VandeBharat #VandeBharatSleeper
காணுங்கள்👇🏼https://t.co/bsVDdgmzL8
— PIB in Tamil Nadu (@pibchennai) January 17, 2026
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that from Malda, the campaign to accelerate Bengal’s progress had gained fresh momentum, with several development projects being inaugurated and dedicated. New rail services, he said, would make travel easier while also facilitating trade and commerce, and new maintenance facilities would open up employment opportunities for Bengal’s youth.
At Malda Railway Station, flagged off the first Vande Bharat sleeper train, which will connect Howrah to Guwahati. Also had a pleasant interaction with children who were at the station and on the train. pic.twitter.com/dH2EtkIFtq
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) January 17, 2026
- ₹3,250-crore rail–road boost from Malda, East & Northeast in focus
- ‘Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains introduced in India today’
- Secondary hubs, last-mile connectivity to improve
Calling it a landmark moment for Indian Railways, the Prime Minister said, “Today, another big step has been taken towards the modernization of Indian Railways. Vande Bharat sleeper trains are being introduced in India.”
He said the new sleeper version would make long-distance journeys more comfortable and reflected the vision of trains in a developed India. Recalling his interaction with passengers at Malda station, he said many described the journey as an “extraordinary experience”.
He added that Indians once admired pictures of foreign trains, wishing for similar services at home, and today that aspiration was becoming reality, with even foreign tourists documenting India’s rail transformation.
Howrah–Guwahati Train links Kali and Kamakhya belts
Highlighting the cultural symbolism, the Prime Minister said, “This is the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting the land of Mother Kali to the land of Mother Kamakhya.”
He added, “In the coming times, this modern train will expand across the entire country. I congratulate Bengal, Assam, and the entire country on this modern sleeper train.”
The fully air-conditioned train, offering airline-like comfort at economical fares, will reduce travel time on the Howrah–Guwahati route by about 2.5 hours, giving a boost to religious travel and tourism.
Four New Amrit Bharat Express Trains for Bengal
Announcing a major connectivity upgrade, the Prime Minister said, “Today, Bengal has received four more modern Amrit Bharat Express trains.”
These include:
- New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express
- New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express
- Alipurduar–Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express
- Alipurduar–Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express
He said these services would strengthen connectivity between Bengal—especially North Bengal—and South and Western India, and ease travel for pilgrims visiting Gangasagar, Dakshineswar and Kalighat, as well as passengers travelling to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
‘Railways becoming modern and self-reliant’
Emphasising self-reliance, the Prime Minister said, “Indian Railways is becoming not only modern but also self-reliant.”
He noted that India now manufactures more locomotives than America and Europe, exports coaches and metro trains, strengthens the economy and creates jobs for youth.
“Connecting India is a priority and reducing distances is a mission,” he said, adding that the day’s projects reflected this commitment.
Tamil Nadu gets new stops for 29 express, six passenger trains
In a parallel development, Indian Railways approved long-pending demands for additional stoppages for 29 express trains and six passenger trains across Tamil Nadu, a move expected to decongest Chennai Central and Chennai Egmore while boosting suburban hubs.
Key approvals include:
- Wimco Nagar halts for the Chennai–Vijayawada Pinakini Express, Vijayawada Jan Shatabdi Express and Bitragunta Passenger
- Tiruvallur stops for Chennai–Coimbatore Kovai Express and Chennai–Bengaluru Double Decker
- Ambattur halt for Chennai–Jolarpettai Express
- Arakkonam stop for Chennai Egmore–CSMT Express
A railway official said, “The railway board has issued orders and the date for implementation will be notified shortly.”
Secondary hubs, last-mile connectivity to improve
The newly approved halts cover major long-distance services, including Chennai–Mumbai, Chennai–Vijayawada, Bengaluru–Kanniyakumari, Ahmedabad, Kacheguda and Parasuram Expresses. Railways said the move would disperse passenger load, improve last-mile connectivity, and help develop secondary transport hubs such as Wimco Nagar, Ambattur, Chengalpattu and Arakkonam.
Additional stops were also cleared for services such as Tambaram–Sengottai, Kamban, Mannai, Uzhavan, Cholan, Tambaram–Rameswaram, Mumbai–Nagercoil and Purulia–Tirunelveli Expresses, besides several passenger trains.
