Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train, marking a major step in long-distance railway travel in India. The new service will connect Howrah with Guwahati (Kamakhya) and is expected to make travel between eastern India and the Northeast faster and more comfortable.
The inaugural run of the sleeper train was flagged off from Malda, where the Prime Minister addressed officials and reviewed key railway initiatives. Along with the forward journey, Modi also virtually flagged off the return Guwahati–Howrah service, signalling the formal start of operations on the busy route.
According to a statement issued by the Prime Minister’s Office, the fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has been designed to meet the growing demand for safe and comfortable overnight travel. The train offers modern sleeping arrangements, improved safety features, and onboard facilities aimed at providing a smooth and restful journey for passengers.
Railway officials said the new sleeper service is expected to reduce travel time on the Howrah–Guwahati route by around two and a half hours. The faster connection is likely to benefit daily travellers, tourists, and pilgrims, especially those visiting religious sites in Assam and neighbouring states. Improved rail connectivity is also expected to support trade, tourism, and people-to-people movement between the Northeast and the rest of the country.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for new rail and road infrastructure works worth Rs 3,250 crore. These projects are aimed at improving transport links and boosting overall development in West Bengal and the Northeast.
Modi is on a two-day visit to eastern India, covering West Bengal and Assam. The visit includes the launch of major infrastructure projects and comes at a time when political activity is picking up ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.