PM Modi flags off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from West Bengal’s Malda
By significantly reducing travel time by around 2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati route, the train will also give a major boost to religious travel and tourism,” a statement issued by the PMO stated.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (January 17, 2026) flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town station in northern Bengal.
He also practically flagged off the return Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda.
Developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India, the fully AC Vande Bharat sleeper train would offer passengers an “airline-like travel experience at economical fares”, a statement issued by the PMO said.
The train will make long-distance journeys faster, safer, and more comfortable, it said.
“By significantly reducing travel time by around 2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati route, the train will also give a major boost to religious travel and tourism,” the statement added.
Later at a public program in Malda, the PM is scheduled to devote to the nation, and lay the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects, worth ₹3,250 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in Bengal and the Northeast
On a two-day visit to eastern India,PM Modi is scheduled to criss-cross poll-bound West Bengal and Assam, blending high-tension political messaging with a clutch of infrastructure launches as the countdown to the 2026 Assembly elections enters its decisive phase.
PM Modi flags off India’s first Vande Bharat
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is now manufacturing more railway coaches than the United States and Europe, highlighting the country’s increasing self-reliance. He made the remarks while flagging off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda in West Bengal.
Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route, PM Modi said India’s expanding railway manufacturing capacity was strengthening the economy and generating jobs.
Whereas India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train is built to reach a top speed of 180 kmph, it is expected to operate at a maximum of 120-130 kmph.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gave a green signal to India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train, which will connect Howrah, near Kolkata, to Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati. This state-of-the-art service is designed as an overnight link, establishing a high-speed rail connection between West Bengal and Assam, both of which are currently poll-bound states.
PM Modi flags off India’s first sleeper train from Malda Town, West Bengal. He also virtually flagged off the return Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat sleeper train from here.
“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. It will make long-distance journeys faster, safer, and more convenient. By significantly reducing travel time by around 2.5 hours on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route, the train will also give a major boost to religious travel and tourism,” the statement from the Prime Minister’s office .
India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Features
Speed: While the train is built to reach a top speed of 180 kmph, it is expected to operate at a maximum of 120-130 kilometers.
Comfort: The berths feature ergonomic designs, supported by a world-class suspension system intended to provide an exclusively smooth ride.
Hygiene: The train uses advanced disinfectant technology that is capable of killing 99% of germs, with updated linens and towels provided for all passengers.
Safety: Security is a priority, with the native Kavach automatic protection system installed alongside comprehensive onboard surveillance.
Automatic sliding doors are programmed to remain closed throughout the journey, opening only when the train arrives at a station.
Local Cuisine On Board
Along with speed, sanitation and safety, the train will offer local food to its passengers, similar to premium airline services. The catering is included in the ticket price and focuses on local flavors and cuisines. While travelers traveling from Kamakhya to Howrah will be served Assamese cuisine, those on the return journey from Howrah to Kamakhya will relish Bengali dishes.
fare
The train offers three tiers of journey and ticket prices range between Rs 2,300 and Rs 3,600. Expected fare for one-way journey is:
3AC: Approximately Rs 2,300
2AC: Around Rs 3,000
1AC: Roughly Rs 3,600
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday, January 17, flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town railway station in West Bengal. The train will operate on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route, though on its inaugural run today it will run between Malda Town and Kamakhya in Assam. He also flagged off the Guwahati (Kamakhya)-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train virtually.
Vande Bharat Sleeper latest news
This new orange and gray colorful modern train is expected to revolutionize the overnight rail travel in the country. Apart from improving connectivity between the two states, the train is expected to cut travel time by up to six hours. It will also enhance the onboard passenger experience, with regional cuisines being served.
On January 17, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s firstVande Bharat sleeper train from the Malda Town Railway Station in West Bengal. This orange and gray colorful train is designed for long-distance overnight travel, connecting Howrah (Kolkata) and Kamakhya (Guwahati).
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