In Photos: PM Modi flags off India`s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda

Updated On: 17 January, 2026 03:28 PM IST | ronak mastakar

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off India`s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda in West Bengal, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing modernisation of Indian Railways. The state-of-the-art sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express will operate on the Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) route. (Pics/PTI)

1/6

<p>The launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is part of a series of major rail and infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast.</p>

2/6

The launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is part of a series of major rail and infrastructure initiatives aimed at strengthening connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast.

<p>Apart from the new Vande Bharat service, several development works are currently underway at the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, one of the most important railway hubs in West Bengal, to upgrade it into a world-class facility.</p>

3/6

Apart from the new Vande Bharat service, several development works are currently underway at the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station, one of the most important railway hubs in West Bengal, to upgrade it into a world-class facility.

<p>Upon arriving in Malda, Prime Minister Modi interacted with students, railway staff and train drivers who were present to be part of the inaugural run of the sleeper train.</p>

4/6

Upon arriving in Malda, Prime Minister Modi interacted with students, railway staff and train drivers who were present to be part of the inaugural run of the sleeper train.

<p>The Prime Minister is set to lay the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,250 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in West Bengal and the North-Eastern region.</p>

5/6

The Prime Minister is set to lay the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth Rs 3,250 crore, aimed at strengthening connectivity and accelerating development in West Bengal and the North-Eastern region.

<p>Calling it a "gift" to West Bengal given by PM Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the projects will enable more IT hubs to emerge in the state.</p>

6/6

Calling it a "gift" to West Bengal given by PM Modi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the projects will enable more IT hubs to emerge in the state.

Photo of Day

Breaking barriers and building pyramids — Women power in action!

Sashastra Seema Bal’s (SSB) Daredevils team performs during rehearsals for the Republic Day Parade, in New Delhi. PIC/PTI

Home / News / India News / Photos / In Photos: PM Modi flags off India`s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda

In Photos: PM Modi flags off India`s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda

Tags

Photo of Day

Breaking barriers and building pyramids — Women power in action!