Malda/Guwahati: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India has moved from dreaming about foreign-style infrastructure to delivering world-class transport at home. He made the remarks while flagging off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper (AC) train between Howrah and Guwahati at Malda Town railway station.
Along with this landmark launch, the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated four new Amrit Bharat Express trains. These services will connect New Jalpaiguri with Nagarkoil and Tiruchirappalli, and Alipurduar with Bengaluru and Mumbai (Panvel). He also virtually flagged off the return Vande Bharat Sleeper service from Guwahati to Howrah.
Modern Trains, Faster Growth
Addressing a public gathering, Modi said modern trains would empower youth and boost regional growth, especially in eastern India. He added that India is now manufacturing more railway engines and coaches than the US and Europe combined. According to him, railway modernisation is a key pillar of building a self-reliant nation.
He described the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains as a major milestone for “New India.” Modi said these long-distance, overnight trains would soon run across the country. He also noted that more than 150 Vande Bharat trains already operate nationwide, transforming the speed and comfort of Indian Railways.
Big Push to Infrastructure in Bengal
During the event, the Prime Minister laid foundation stones and inaugurated road and railway projects worth ₹3,250 crore in West Bengal. He said these projects would improve connectivity and create new opportunities for local communities.
However, with West Bengal elections approaching, Modi strongly criticised the Trinamool Congress government. He said illegal immigration was the state’s biggest challenge and accused the ruling party of encouraging it. At the same time, he assured refugee communities, including the Matua community, that they had nothing to fear.
He also pointed out that West Bengal is the only state yet to implement the Ayushman Bharat health insurance scheme. In response, the Trinamool Congress dismissed Modi’s remarks and accused him of “political tourism.”
Assam Visit and Cultural Showcase
Later in the evening, Modi reached Assam, where he witnessed a grand Bagurumba dance performance by 10,000 Bodo artists in Guwahati. He praised Assam’s rich culture but accused Congress of disrespecting the state’s traditions in the past.
The Prime Minister also took part in a 4-kilometre roadshow amid massive crowds. He will attend more programmes on Sunday as part of his two-day visit before returning to West Bengal.
Modi also interacted with students travelling on the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, calling the experience a glimpse of India’s fast-changing future.
