Prime Minister Modi said on Saturday that railway development in West Bengal has received new momentum and new dimensions today.

On one hand, the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, launched on the Howrah-Guwahati route, is connecting the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya. Meanwhile, West Bengal has gained new connectivity with the northern, southern, and western parts of the country through four new Amrit Bharat Express trains.

Inauguration of projects from Malda Town Railway Station
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a ceremony after inaugurating various railway and road projects, including the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, from Malda Town Railway Station in West Bengal.

Campaign to accelerate West Bengal’s development gains speed
The Prime Minister said that the campaign to give new momentum to West Bengal’s development has accelerated further today. Another major step has been taken towards the modernization of Indian Railways. The foundation stone laying and inauguration of several other development works related to the state will boost business and employment along with passenger convenience.

Launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
He said, “From this sacred land of Bengal… starting today, the era of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains begins in India. This new Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will make the long journeys of the country’s citizens more comfortable, splendid, and memorable….. This Vande Bharat Train is Made in India, the sweat of us Indians has gone into making it. The country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is connecting the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya. In the coming time, this modern train will be expanded across the entire country.”

Maa Kali

Maa Kali is a major Hindu goddess primarily worshipped in eastern India, particularly in Bengal, as a powerful and fierce aspect of the Divine Mother (Shakti). She is historically associated with destruction of evil and protection, with her origins found in ancient texts like the Devi Mahatmya. Key temples dedicated to her, such as Kolkata’s Kalighat Kali Temple, are significant pilgrimage sites that embody centuries of regional devotional tradition.

Maa Kamakhya

Maa Kamakhya is a revered Hindu temple complex in Guwahati, Assam, dedicated to the mother goddess Kamakhya, a form of Shakti. It is one of the oldest and most important Shakti Peethas, believed to be the site where the goddess’s yoni (genitalia) fell after Shiva’s cosmic dance of destruction. The current temple structure dates to the 16th century, rebuilt by the Koch dynasty, and is famous for its annual Ambubachi Mela, which celebrates the goddess’s menstrual cycle.

Howrah-Guwahati route

The Howrah–Guwahati route is a major railway corridor in India, connecting Howrah (Kolkata) in West Bengal to Guwahati in Assam. It was historically vital for linking the northeastern states to the rest of the country, with its development accelerating after India’s independence to improve connectivity and integration. Today, it remains a crucial lifeline for passengers and freight, traversing iconic bridges like the Saraighat Bridge over the Brahmaputra River.

Malda Town Railway Station

Malda Town Railway Station is a major railway junction in West Bengal, India, serving the historic city of Malda (now English Bazar). It was established during the British colonial era as part of the expansion of the Eastern Bengal Railway, playing a key role in connecting northern Bengal and Assam. Today, it remains a vital transport hub for the region.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is an upcoming, upgraded variant of India’s existing semi-high-speed Vande Bharat train series, designed for overnight journeys with enhanced passenger comfort. While the original seated Vande Bharat trains, introduced in 2019, symbolize India’s push for modern indigenous rail technology, the sleeper version is a new development aimed at competing with premium services like Rajdhani Express on longer routes. Its history is therefore part of the ongoing evolution of India’s railway modernization, expanding the Vande Bharat brand to cater to round-the-clock national connectivity.

Amrit Bharat Express

The Amrit Bharat Express is a newly introduced, non-AC train service in India, launched in December 2023. Designed as a push-pull locomotive-hauled train with upgraded “Jagannath” coaches, it aims to provide improved and affordable travel for common passengers, particularly on medium to long-distance routes. Its introduction is part of the “Amrit Bharat” scheme, reflecting a government initiative to modernize non-premium rail travel in the country.

West Bengal

West Bengal is a state in eastern India, historically renowned as a cultural and intellectual hub of the subcontinent. Its capital, Kolkata, was the capital of British India until 1911 and a center for the Bengal Renaissance—a 19th-century social reform movement. The region is famous for its contributions to literature, art, cinema, and festivals like Durga Puja.

Indian Railways

Indian Railways is a state-owned national railway system, founded in 1853 during British colonial rule with the first passenger train running between Bombay (Mumbai) and Thane. It has since grown into one of the world’s largest rail networks, spanning over 67,000 km and serving millions daily, playing a vital role in India’s economic integration and social mobility. Today, it stands as a cultural and logistical icon, deeply woven into the nation’s identity and daily life.