Malda: Malda is set for a high-profile Saturday morning as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits the district to flag off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, marking a major step in India’s rail upgrade push. The new sleeper service connects Howrah in West Bengal to Kamakhya in Assam, promising faster travel and more comfort for long-distance passengers.
Alongside the flagship launch, several Amrit Bharat Express trains linking North Bengal and North East India with south India were also inaugurated.
To ensure preparations are in place, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw arrived in Malda on Friday evening to supervise arrangements for the event. As per the schedule, PM Modi addressed a public rally after inaugurating the trains.
Guwahati (Kamakhya) 🔁 Howrah🚄 First Vande Bharat Sleeper… On track with PM @narendramodi Ji’s Purvodaya vision. pic.twitter.com/0xmJDjveVp
— Ashwini Vaishnaw (@AshwiniVaishnaw) January 17, 2026
What’s New About the Vande Bharat Sleeper
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is being positioned as a new chapter for long-distance rail travel in India, blending speed with comfort.
Key features
- 16 modern coaches
- Capacity: 823 passengers
- Top operating speed: up to 180 kmph
- Designed to significantly cut travel time between key cities
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Ticket Fares: Howrah to Kamakhya, New Jalpaiguri and Malda
Railway Board executive director (Information & Publicity) Dilip Kumar shared fare details for different classes.
3AC fares
- Howrah–Kamakhya: Rs 2,299
- Howrah–New Jalpaiguri: Rs 1,334
- Howrah–Malda Town: Rs 960
2AC fares
- Howrah–Kamakhya: Rs 2,970
- Howrah–New Jalpaiguri: Rs 1,724
- Howrah–Malda Town: Rs 1,240
1AC fares
- Howrah–Kamakhya: Rs 3,640
- Howrah–New Jalpaiguri: Rs 2,113
- Howrah–Malda Town: Rs 1,520
Big crowd expected in Malda
Local BJP leaders say the event is expected to draw a huge footfall. Ajay Ganguly, district BJP president, said, “We hope for a record gathering, as people from Malda and 2 Dinajpurs will come to listen to the PM. Amid the confusion created by TMC regarding SIR, it will be a huge fillip for our supporters.”
(with inputs from agencies)
