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Vande Bharat Sleeper Launched! PM Modi Gifts ₹3,250 Cr Rail-Road Revolution to West Bengal
Malda, WB, Jan 17, 2026 - Prime Minister Narendra Modi today scripted a new chapter for Indian Railways by flagging off the nation’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at Malda Town Station. This "Made in India" masterpiece, connecting Howrah (WB) to Kamakhya (Assam), is set to redefine overnight travel, making it faster, safer, and significantly more luxurious.
Beyond the flagship sleeper, the PM Shri Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for infrastructure projects worth ₹3,250 crore. These projects are designed to act as a growth engine for West Bengal and the North-Eastern region, focusing on self-reliance and modern connectivity.
Vande Bharat Sleeper: Better Than Rajdhani?
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper is not just a train; it’s a high-speed hotel on wheels. Designed by BEML and ICF, it outperforms traditional premium trains like the Rajdhani in several ways:
- Speed & Time: With a top speed of 160 km/h, it cuts travel time between Howrah and Guwahati by 2.5 hours, completing the journey in approximately 14 hours.
- First-of-its-Kind Luxury: The 1st AC coach features hot shower cubicles, while all coaches boast GFRP (Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer) interiors for a sleek, aerodynamic look.
- Superior Comfort: Berths feature extra polyurethane foam cushioning and a jerk-free "push-pull" technology for a sound sleep.
- Safety First: Fully integrated with the KAVACH anti-collision system, fire-barrier walls (EN 45545 HL3 standard), and 24/7 CCTV surveillance.
| Feature | Vande Bharat Sleeper | Rajdhani Express |
|---|---|---|
| Maximum Speed | 160 km/h | 130–140 km/h |
| Technology | Self-Propelled (No Locomotive Required) | Locomotive-Hauled Train |
| Safety System | KAVACH System & Crash Buffers | Standard LHB Coach Safety |
| Passenger Amenities | Hot Showers (1st AC), USB Charging Ports | Standard Bedding & Charging Points |
New Amrit Bharat Trains: Connectivity for All
PM Modi also flagged off 4 New Amrit Bharat Express trains, ensuring that modern rail benefits reach the middle-class and migrant workers:
- NJP to Nagercoil: A massive 3,087 km journey connecting North Bengal to the southernmost tip of India.
- NJP to Tiruchirappalli: Strengthening ties with Tamil Nadu.
- Alipurduar to Bengaluru: A lifeline for students and IT professionals.
- Alipurduar to Mumbai (Panvel): Direct link to India's financial capital.
Key Infrastructure Milestones
- Railway Electrification: The New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and Boxirhat sections are now 100% electric, reducing the carbon footprint.
- Road Connectivity: Foundation stone for the four-laning of NH-31D (Dhupguri-Falakata) was laid to ease regional traffic.
- Youth Employment: New maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri and Siliguri will create thousands of technical jobs for the local youth.
"Connecting India is our priority, and reducing distances is our mission," PM Modi concluded, highlighting that India now produces more locomotives than Europe and America combined.
(Source-pib)
#VandeBharatSleeper#IndianRailways2026#PMModiMalda#AmritBharatExpress
#VandeBharatSleeper#IndianRailways2026#PMModiMalda#AmritBharatExpress
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