Prime Minister Narendra Modi will today inaugurate India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) at Malda town railway station and will virtually flag off the return service. The fully air-conditioned train, with 16 modern coaches and a capacity of 823 passengers, promises airline-like comfort at economical fares, reducing travel time from 17 hours (Saraighat Express) to 14 hours.
The service is expected to benefit students, professionals, migrant workers, traders, and pilgrims, while boosting regional trade, tourism, and cultural connectivity.
PM Modi will also lay the foundation for four major railway projects in West Bengal, including a new Balurghat-Hili rail line, upgraded maintenance facilities, and modernisation of Vande Bharat train upkeep in Jalpaiguri. Additionally, he will virtually inaugurate four New Amrit Bharat Express trains from Malda.
In the evening, the Prime Minister will attend Bagurumba Dwhou 2026 in Guwahati, where over 10,000 Bodo artists will perform the traditional Bagurumba dance in a record synchronised presentation.
