Modi Inaugurates India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on January 17 from Malda Town Railway Station in West Bengal, marking a significant step in the country's efforts to modernize its rail network. The semihigh-speed train connects Howrah Junction in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction in Assam, covering 958 kilometers and reducing travel time by about 2.5 hours compared to conventional services.

The event coincided with the launch of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects valued at over 3,250 crore rupees. Modi, who flagged off the train, highlighted its role as a premium alternative for overnight long-distance travel. Operated by the Northeast Frontier Railway, the train features 16 air-conditioned coaches, including 11 three-tier, four two-tier, and one first-class, with a total capacity of 823 passengers. It includes modern amenities such as economically designed berths, user-friendly ladders for upper berths, sanitized toilets, centralized monitoring, CCTV cameras, and the Kavach anti-collision system for enhanced safety. The train's design speed is 180 kilometers per hour, and it stops at 13 stations, including New Jalpaiguri, New...