Malda Town railway station in West Bengal witnessed an important event where Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off seven additional train services to enhance rail connectivity in East and Northeast India, supported by major investments into key infrastructure projects, through a ceremony that involved laying foundation stones for future construction.
The introduction of the first-ever sleeper version of the Vande Bharat is a huge leap forward in the development of India’s railway system, as this will allow for rapid travel between West Bengal & Assam. With an average decrease in travel times of 2.5 hours from other services operating in the same geographical area, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will allow for quicker and much safer overnight travel.
What to Expect with the New Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train was created specifically for long-distance travel, creating an excellent opportunity for Indian Railways to expand service.
This new route runs from Howrah to Guwahati (Kamakhya) with an extensive list of significant stops such as Malda, New Jalpaiguri, and New Alipurduar.
There are two dedicated sets (rakes) on the Vande Bharat Sleeper, allowing for clean and efficient transportation with reliable and timely train operating schedules.
Fare pricing will depend on distance travelled; however, the average fare will be approximately Rs. 1500/-.
Rail Connectivity Enhanced by Four Amrit Bharat Express Train Launches
Prime Minister Modi unveiled two new, long-distance Amrit Bharat Express Trains under the Vande Bharat concept. These new Amrit Bharat Express Train services are designed to improve access to low-cost long-distance rail travel and have the effect of integrating many more people into the Indian Railways system. The services are as follows:
- Amrit Bharat Express, New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil
- Amrit Bharat Express, New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli
- Amrit Bharat Express, Alipurduar – SMVT Bengaluru
- Amrit Bharat Express, Alipurduar to Mumbai (Panvel)
The introduction of these Amrit Bharat Express Train services will increase interstate connectivity for students, traders and families, in addition to providing more options for mobile workers.
Two New Express Train Services Provide Improved Connectivity.
The Prime Minister also introduced two new LHB Coach Express trains to enhance access to important employment centres and educational institutions.
- Radhikapur to SMVT Bengaluru Express
- Balurghat to SMVT Bengaluru Express
- These new trains will make it easier to travel between northern West Bengal and southern metropolises such as Bengaluru.
- Rail Infrastructure Development and Future Initiatives
In conjunction with the flagging off of trains, Prime Minister Modi has also laid down the groundwork through his visit for the creation of the infrastructure required to support four significant rail development projects within West Bengal, as well as both passenger and freight infrastructure systems.
The four major railway projects initiated from this visit include:
- Development of a new rail line connecting Balurghat and Hili.
- Next-generation freight maintenance facility at New Jalpaiguri.
- Modern usability upgrade to the Siliguri Loco Shed.
- Development of New Jalpaiguri’s Vande Bharat maintenance centre.
- These projects will not only support greater train speeds and enhanced reliability of rail service but also provide jobs for local residents.
Improving Regional Connectivity
The Prime Minister’s continued emphasis on the importance of infrastructure and transportation development was further emphasised by the dedication of the following electrified rail routes (i.e., the New Cooch Behar–Bamanhat and New Cooch Behar–Boxirhat electrified rail routes). The introduction of these routes will promote greater use of cleaner, energy-efficient rail operations, which in turn will allow for faster travel times between stations along that route.
Additionally, the commencement of a four-lane National Highway-31D along the Dhupguri–Falakata route will improve the ability to move goods and passengers efficiently throughout the entire North Bengal region.
A New Chapter for Rail Travel in the Eastern Regions of India.
Through the launching of seven new trains, including India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati, an important milestone has been reached by Honourable Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to expand the rail networks throughout India. The trains will reduce travel times and offer greater comfort to passengers and increase economic connections between remote areas.
As more routes and new rail infrastructure are added, passengers will be able to rely on a greater degree of reliability and lower fare rates, as well as have greater access to rail transportation services throughout India. This demonstrates how the Indian rail system will serve as both an engine for economic growth and enhanced access to rail service for all Indian citizens.
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