Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express connecting Guwahati and Kolkata on January 17, marking a significant milestone in long-distance overnight rail travel and further strengthening connectivity between the Northeast and eastern India, officials said on Monday.
A senior Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) official said that the Prime Minister will virtually flag off the train from Malda in West Bengal, inaugurate several other trains, and launch multiple railway projects.
After the Malda programme, PM Modi will visit Assam for a two-day tour beginning January 17.
Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma earlier confirmed the Prime Minister’s visit, stating that PM Modi will also flag off new train services connecting Dibrugarh to Lucknow and Guwahati to Rohtak via Delhi, enhancing Assam’s rail links with key regions of the country.
During the visit, the Prime Minister is also likely to witness the traditional Bodo dance ‘Bagurumba’, showcasing Assam’s rich cultural heritage.
On January 18, PM Modi will travel to Kaziranga to lay the foundation stone of the elevated corridor project, aimed at resolving the long-standing conflict between conservation and connectivity in the ecologically sensitive region.
NFR Chief Public Relations Officer Kapinjal Kishore Sharma said the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will operate with a 16-coach rake and a total passenger capacity of 823.
The composition includes 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one First Class AC coach, catering to diverse passenger segments.
The train will feature ergonomically designed cushioned berths, advanced suspension systems, noise-reduction technology, automatic doors and a modern Passenger Information System.
Equipped with the ‘Kavach’ automatic train protection system, the new service is expected to boost trade, tourism and socio-economic development across Assam and West Bengal.
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