Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate a significant fleet of 13 new trains next week, marking a major push for railway infrastructure in eastern India. The launch event holds particular significance as it will take place in the poll-bound states of West Bengal and Assam.
Historic Launch of First Vande Bharat Sleeper
The highlight of the series of inaugurations will be the country's maiden Vande Bharat sleeper train, set to run between Howrah and Guwahati. This launch is scheduled for January 17. On the same day, the Prime Minister will also flag off six Amrit Bharat trains from Malda in West Bengal, where he is expected to address a public gathering.
Major Railway Boost for Poll-Bound States
Out of the total 13 trains, a substantial ten will be launched from West Bengal, with the remaining three originating from Assam. Officials have noted that this is the first instance in recent years where such a large number of trains are being inaugurated from West Bengal in such a short timeframe.
The following day, on January 18, Modi's schedule includes flagging off two more Amrit Bharat trains from Assam and an additional three from West Bengal.
Connectivity and Affordability Focus
The new Amrit Bharat trains are designed to enhance long-distance connectivity across the nation. An official emphasized that these trains are the most affordable option for the poor and middle class, offering superior comfort for passengers.
The planned routes from West Bengal will connect the state to various corners of the country:
- New Jalpaiguri to Nagercoil and Tiruchirappalli
- Alipurduar to Bengaluru and Panvel
- Balurghat, Radhikapur, and Santragachi (Kolkata) to Bengaluru, Tambaram, and Anand Vihar (Delhi) respectively
- Sealdah to Banaras
From Assam, key routes include a service between Guwahati and Rohtak in Haryana, and another linking Dibrugarh with Lucknow.
A Signal of Infrastructure Development
The simultaneous launch of numerous modern trains from West Bengal is widely perceived as a strong message from the central government regarding its commitment to upgrading the state's transport infrastructure. A railway official stated that the focus is on operating more Amrit Bharat trains as they cater to a large segment of long-distance travelers. The respective zonal railways will soon announce the fare structure for each of these new services.
