PM Modi flags off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train

Malda, Jan 18: Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,250 crore at Malda, West Bengal. It is aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in West Bengal and the North-Eastern region.
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Modi remarked that from Malda today, the campaign to accelerate the progress of West Bengal has gained further momentum. He highlighted that a number of projects related to the development of West Bengal have just been inaugurated and dedicated. The Prime Minister stated that new rail services have been introduced for West Bengal, noting that these projects will make travel easier for the people and also facilitate trade and commerce. He emphasized that the new train maintenance facilities established here will provide fresh opportunities for the youth of Bengal.
Underlining that from the sacred land of Bengal, another major step has been taken towards the modernization of Indian Railways, Modi highlighted that from today, Vande Bharat sleeper trains are being introduced in India. He stated that this new Vande Bharat sleeper train will make long journeys for citizens more comfortable and splendid. He emphasized that the vision of how trains in a developed India should be is clearly reflected in this Vande Bharat sleeper train.
The Prime Minister mentioned that a short while ago he interacted with some passengers at Malda station, and everyone expressed that traveling in this train was an extraordinary experience. He recalled that earlier people used to look at pictures of foreign trains and wish such trains existed in India, and today that dream is being realized. Shri Modi added that in the recent days, foreign tourists are making videos of how the Indian Railways is being revolutionised. He underlined that this Vande Bharat train is Made in India, built with the hard work and dedication of Indians.
Modi noted that the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train is connecting the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya. He further stated that in the coming time, this modern train will expand across the nation and congratulated Bengal, Assam, and the entire country for this modern sleeper train.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi remarked that Indian Railways is undergoing a transformation, with electrification of railway lines and modernization of stations. He highlighted that today, including West Bengal, more than 150 Vande Bharat trains are running across the country. The Prime Minister stated that along with this, a complete network of modern and high-speed trains is being developed, which is greatly benefiting poor and middle-class families in Bengal.
He announced that Bengal has received four more modern Amrit Bharat Express trains—New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express, Alipurduar–Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express, and Alipurduar–Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express. He emphasized that these trains will strengthen connectivity between Bengal, especially North Bengal, and South and Western India. The Prime Minister noted that these Amrit Bharat Express trains will make travel easier for pilgrims visiting Gangasagar, Dakshineswar, and Kalighat, as well as for those traveling to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
“Indian Railways is becoming not only modern but also self-reliant”, emphasised Modi highlighting that India’s rail engines, coaches, and metro coaches are emerging as symbols of India’s technology. The Prime Minister stated that today India manufactures more locomotives than America and Europe and exports passenger train and metro train coaches to many countries, which greatly benefits the nation’s economy and provides employment opportunities for the youth. Modi concluded by emphasizing that connecting India is a priority and reducing distances is a mission, which is clearly reflected in today’s program.
Governor of West Bengal, C V Ananda Bose, Union Ministers, Ashwini Vaishnav, Shantanu Thakur, Sukanta Majumdar were present among other dignitaries at the event. (PIB)