PM Modi West Bengal Visit: ₹4,000 Crore Rail, Road and Infrastructure Projects Launched

New Delhi: The PM Modi West Bengal visit on January 17 and 18 is set to bring a major infrastructure push to the state, with projects worth more than ₹4,000 crore being inaugurated, dedicated, and laid with foundation stones. The visit is aimed at strengthening rail, road, and multimodal connectivity while accelerating economic development in West Bengal and the wider North-Eastern region.

During the two-day visit, the Prime Minister will cover Malda and Singur, unveiling a series of transport and logistics initiatives designed to improve travel efficiency, boost trade, and enhance regional integration.

PM Modi West Bengal Visit to Flag Off Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

On January 17, the Prime Minister will visit Malda, where he will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train connecting Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town Railway Station. The fully air-conditioned sleeper train has been developed to offer a modern, comfortable, and affordable long-distance travel option.

The new service is expected to reduce travel time on the Howrah–Guwahati route by approximately two and a half hours, significantly benefiting passengers traveling between eastern India and the North-East. The train marks a major step forward in upgrading long-distance rail travel with next-generation technology and improved passenger amenities.

Rail and Road Projects Worth ₹3,250 Crore Unveiled in Malda

Later the same day, the Prime Minister will dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone for rail and road projects exceeding ₹3,250 crore in Malda. Key railway initiatives include the Balurghat–Hili new rail line, next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, upgradation of the Siliguri loco shed, and modernisation of Vande Bharat maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district.

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In addition, electrification of the New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat rail sections will be dedicated, enabling cleaner and more energy-efficient train operations. The Prime Minister will also virtually flag off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains linking New Jalpaiguri and Alipurduar with Nagercoil, Tiruchirappalli, Bengaluru, and Mumbai. Two more long-distance trains with LHB coaches will further improve connectivity between North Bengal and major employment hubs.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the four-laning and rehabilitation of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of National Highway-31D, a critical road corridor supporting economic activity in North Bengal.

Singur Visit Focuses on Ports, Waterways and Green Mobility

On January 18, the Prime Minister will travel to Singur in Hooghly district, where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹830 crore. A major highlight will be the foundation stone laying of the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, which includes an inland water transport terminal and a road overbridge.

This project is expected to enhance cargo movement efficiency, reduce congestion in Kolkata, and strengthen multimodal logistics connectivity for industries, MSMEs, and agricultural producers across the region.

Electric Catamaran and New Rail Links Strengthen Connectivity

As part of the visit, the Prime Minister will launch a state-of-the-art electric catamaran for inland water transport in Kolkata. Built by Cochin Shipyard Ltd, the hybrid electric vessel is designed for zero-emission operations and will support eco-friendly urban river mobility, tourism, and last-mile connectivity along the Hooghly River.

The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Jayrambati–Barogopinathpur–Maynapur rail line and flag off a new passenger service on the route, improving rail access for Bankura district. Additionally, three new Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Kolkata with Anand Vihar Terminal, Banaras, and Tambaram will be flagged off, further strengthening long-distance rail connectivity.