Archive · 17 Jan 2026
PM Modi Launches Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on January 17, 2024.
This new train will run between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya), with its inaugural run from Malda Town to Kamakhya.
The train is expected to improve overnight travel by cutting travel time by up to six hours and offering better onboard experiences, including regional cuisines.
The Prime Minister also inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore in West Bengal and Assam.
These projects aim to strengthen connectivity and development in the region.
Additionally, he flagged off new train services and participated in cultural events in Assam.
The platform numbers for 30 trains at Malda Town station were changed temporarily to ensure smooth operations for the launch of the new train.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town railway station in West Bengal on January 17, 2024.
The train will operate on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route, with its inaugural run from Malda Town to Kamakhya.
The new train is expected to revolutionize overnight rail travel by cutting travel time by up to six hours and offering improved onboard experiences, including regional cuisines.
PM Modi also inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore in West Bengal and Assam.
The platform numbers for 30 trains at Malda Town station were changed temporarily on January 16-17 to ensure smooth operations for the launch of the new train.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Indian Railways
- What
- Launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train and inauguration of infrastructure projects
- When
- January 17-18, 2024
- Where
- Malda Town, West Bengal, and Assam
- Why
- To enhance rail and road connectivity and accelerate development in the region
- Train Launch
- Malda Town–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
- Launch Date
- January 17, 2024
- Departure Time
- 13:15 hrs from Malda Town
- Arrival Time
- 23:15 hrs at Kamakhya
- Stations Halted
- Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri, Jalpaiguri Road, New Coochbehar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon, Rangiya
- Platform Changes
- 30 trains affected on January 16-17
- Reason for Change
- Smooth operations for Vande Bharat Sleeper launch
- Source
- Eastern Railway, Indian Railways
- Prime Minister's Visit
- January 17-18, 2024
- Projects Inaugurated
- Rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore
- New Train Services
- Four New Amrit Bharat Express trains and two new train services with LHB coaches
- Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project
- Rs 6,950 crore project to improve regional connectivity and protect biodiversity
- Train Features
- 16 coaches, 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, 1 First AC, 823 passenger capacity
- Train Speed
- Designed for 180 km/h, operational speed 120–130 km/h
- Fares
- AC 3-tier: Rs 2,299, AC 2-tier: Rs 2,970, First AC: Rs 3,640 (excluding GST)
- Cuisine
- Regional cuisines included in ticket price: Assamese and Bengali dishes
Sources
Vande Bharat Sleeper launch: Platform numbers changed for 30 trains at Malda Town station on Jan 16-17 | Full list
PM Modi to flag off Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train on Jan 17 – All you need to know
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