Live: PM Modi to flag off first Vande Bharat Sleeper, launch mega projects in Bengal

Live blog

Jan 17, 2026 12:02 IST

PM Modi: New LHB-coach trains to link North Bengal with Bengaluru

Two new train services equipped with LHB coaches, Radhikapur, SMVT Bengaluru Express and Balurghat–SMVT Bengaluru Express, will also be flagged off. The services are expected to provide safer and more comfortable long-distance connectivity for youth, students and IT professionals from North Bengal travelling to major employment hubs like Bengaluru.

Jan 17, 2026 12:02 IST

PM Modi West Bengal Visit: Amrit Bharat trains to boost inter-state rail connectivity

Prime Minister Modi will virtually flag off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting New Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar with destinations such as Nagercoil, Tiruchirappalli, Bengaluru and Mumbai. These affordable long-distance services are expected to benefit students, migrant workers and traders while strengthening economic and social links between West Bengal and other states.

Jan 17, 2026 12:02 IST

PM Modi Live: Rail electrification projects to enable cleaner and faster operations

The Prime Minister will also dedicate the electrification of the New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat rail lines to the nation. Railways officials say electrification will allow faster, cleaner and more energy-efficient train operations, reduce dependence on fossil fuels and enhance the overall efficiency of passenger and freight movement in North Bengal.

Jan 17, 2026 12:02 IST

PM Modi in Bengal: Four major railway projects to strengthen North Bengal operations

During the Malda programme, Prime Minister Modi will lay the foundation stone for four key railway projects in West Bengal. These include a new rail line between Balurghat and Hili, next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, upgradation of the Siliguri Loco Shed, and modernisation of Vande Bharat maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district.

Jan 17, 2026 12:01 IST

PM Modi News: Sleeper Vande Bharat to cut Howrah–Guwahati travel time by 2.5 hours

The Howrah–Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to reduce travel time by nearly 2.5 hours, making long journeys faster, safer and more comfortable. Officials say the service will give a major boost to religious travel, tourism and business movement between eastern India and the Northeast, while improving passenger convenience on one of the busiest corridors.

Jan 17, 2026 12:01 IST

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Inauguration: PM Modi to flag off first sleeper version from Malda

In a landmark moment for Indian Railways, Prime Minister Modi will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town Railway Station. The fully air-conditioned sleeper train is designed for long-distance travel, offering an airline-like experience at economical fares while significantly cutting travel time on the route.

Jan 17, 2026 12:01 IST

PM Modi: Malda stop to anchor major rail and road announcements in North Bengal

On January 17, Prime Minister Modi will visit Malda, where he is scheduled to dedicate and lay the foundation stone for multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore. These initiatives are aimed at strengthening passenger and freight connectivity in North Bengal and improving links with the North-Eastern states, positioning the region as a key logistics and transit hub.

Jan 17, 2026 12:00 IST

PM Modi West Bengal Visit Live: Prime Minister to begun two-day Bengal tour focused on infrastructure push

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to begin his two-day visit to West Bengal on January 17–18, with a packed schedule centred on rail, road and port-led infrastructure development. The visit will span Malda and Hooghly districts, where projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore will be inaugurated, dedicated or launched, underscoring the Centre’s focus on connectivity and economic growth in eastern India.