Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth more than Rs 32.50 billion at Malda in West Bengal, aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in the state and the North-Eastern region.

Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister said that the campaign to accelerate West Bengal’s progress had gained fresh momentum from Malda. He noted that several development projects dedicated to the state had been inaugurated, including new rail services that would make travel easier while also facilitating trade and commerce. Modi highlighted that the newly established train maintenance facilities in the region would create fresh employment opportunities for the youth of Bengal.

Marking a major step towards the modernisation of Indian Railways, Modi announced the introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains, stating that these would make long-distance journeys more comfortable and world-class. He said the vision of rail travel in a developed India was clearly reflected in the new Vande Bharat sleeper train. Recalling his interaction with passengers at Malda station, the Prime Minister said travellers described the experience as extraordinary. He added that trains once seen only in foreign countries were now a reality in India, with the Made-in-India Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya.

The Prime Minister noted that Indian Railways is undergoing rapid transformation through electrification of rail lines and modernisation of stations. He said that more than 150 Vande Bharat trains, including services in West Bengal, are now operational across the country. Shri Modi also announced the introduction of four Amrit Bharat Express trains for Bengal—New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru and Alipurduar–Mumbai—strengthening connectivity between North Bengal and southern and western India. He said these trains would also benefit pilgrims travelling to Gangasagar, Dakshineswar and Kalighat.

“Indian Railways is becoming not only modern but also self-reliant,” Narendra Modi said, highlighting that India now manufactures more locomotives than America and Europe and exports coaches to several countries, generating economic benefits and employment. He concluded by stressing that connecting India and reducing distances remains a national mission.

Governor of West Bengal C V Ananda Bose, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, Shantanu Thakur and Sukanta Majumdar were among the dignitaries present at the event.