Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a series of rail and road infrastructure projects valued at more than ₹3,250 crore in West Bengal, marking a significant push to improve connectivity in the state, particularly across North Bengal and the eastern-northeastern corridor.
The projects were unveiled during an event in Malda district, with a focus on strengthening passenger mobility, freight movement, and regional economic integration.
Major Boost to Rail Connectivity
As part of the rail initiatives, the Prime Minister flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service, which will operate between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). Designed for long-distance overnight travel, the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat is expected to significantly enhance comfort and reduce travel time between eastern India and the Northeast.
In addition, four Amrit Bharat Express trains were also virtually inaugurated, connecting key destinations across the country. These services will link New Jalpaiguri with Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar with Bengaluru, and Alipurduar with Mumbai (Panvel), benefiting migrant workers, students, business travellers, and tourists.
The Prime Minister also laid foundation stones for several rail infrastructure projects aimed at modernisation and capacity enhancement. These include the Balurghat–Hili new rail line, upgradation of the Siliguri locomotive shed, establishment of advanced freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, and development of modern maintenance infrastructure for Vande Bharat trains in Jalpaiguri district.
Road Infrastructure Development
On the road sector front, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone for the four-laning and rehabilitation of the Dhupguri–Falakata stretch of National Highway-31D. The project is expected to improve road safety, reduce congestion, and strengthen road connectivity across North Bengal, a strategically important region linking Bhutan, the Northeast, and neighbouring states.
Focus on Regional Growth
The newly announced projects are aimed at improving multimodal connectivity, supporting trade and tourism, and creating long-term economic opportunities in the region. The government stated that enhanced rail and road infrastructure will play a crucial role in boosting logistics efficiency and regional development in West Bengal and the wider eastern region.