Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a big visit to West Bengal on January 17, 2026. He started India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Malda Town station. This new train connects Howrah in Kolkata to Guwahati in Assam. It is a big step for better travel in the east part of India. The train is orange in color and can go up to 180 km per hour. It has nice sleeper beds for long trips at night. People say it will cut the travel time between Howrah and Guwahati to less than 13 hours. This is much faster than old trains. The launch was part of many rail works worth more than Rs 3,250 crore. These include new Amrit Bharat trains and better rail tracks and stations. But the day was not all smooth. There were worries about people throwing stones at the train. The Railway Protection Force had warned about this before the event. Videos showed some kids putting stones on the tracks near places like Jamirghata and New Farakka. Later, at a BJP meeting in Malda, Modi spoke hard against the Trinamool Congress party. He said they do bad things like taking money and causing fights. He asked people to vote for change in the 2026 state elections with the words ‘Paltano darkar, chai BJP sarkar’.
The Grand Launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The event started at Malda Town railway station around noon. PM Modi waved the green flag to send off the train. He also started the return train from Guwahati to Howrah through a video link. The train left with happy passengers on board. One young boy on the train thanked Modi for the new service. He said it made him feel proud. The Prime Minister talked to the train driver and some kids inside. He said this train shows India’s growth in making its own things. “India now makes more train coaches than America or Europe,” Modi said during the event. He called it a win for self-reliance. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is made in India to meet the needs of today’s travelers. It has full air conditioning and gives a feel like flying in a plane but at low cost. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said the train will start regular runs soon. For now, it was a special first trip. Many people came to see the launch. They cheered as the orange train moved out. This is part of a plan to make east India grow faster. Modi said east India must develop for the whole country to become strong by 2047.
The projects launched that day are big. They cost over Rs 3,250 crore. This money goes to new trains, better stations, and stronger tracks. Four new Amrit Bharat Express trains were also started. These are for common people with push-pull tech for faster rides. One runs between Malda and Bengaluru. Another from New Jalpaiguri to Chennai. There are also trains from Bhagalpur to Mumbai and Howrah to Hyderabad. These will help people travel far without much hassle. Over 100 stations in West Bengal are getting new looks. This means better waiting rooms, lifts, and clean areas. Modi said these works will create jobs and make life easy. He pointed out that Bengal needs this kind of growth. But he blamed the state government for stopping central help. “The TMC government is heartless and cruel. They loot public money and stop aid from reaching people,” he said. A railway official told reporters that the Vande Bharat Sleeper will run six days a week. Tickets start from Rs 1,200 for AC three-tier. This is cheap for such comfort.
Key Features of the New Sleeper Train
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is special. It has 16 coaches. There are 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier, and one AC first class. Each berth has soft cushions and reading lights. There are charging points for phones and laptops. The train has auto doors that close on their own. This makes it safe. It also has fire safety systems and clean toilets. The speed is up to 180 km/h, but it runs at 130-160 km/h on tracks. This cuts time a lot. The old train takes 17-18 hours between Howrah and Guwahati. Now it’s under 13 hours. Passengers get good food and water. The train is made at a factory in Bengaluru. It uses new tech for smooth rides. No jerks or noise. A passenger on the first run said, “It feels like home on wheels.” The orange color makes it look modern. Railways plan more such trains soon. This will connect more cities in India.
Stone-Pelting Concerns and Security Steps
But not everything was happy. Before the launch, the Railway Protection Force wrote a letter to local police. They said some bad people might throw stones at the train. This was based on tips from secret sources. The letter named places like Jamirghata, Khaltipur, Chamagram, Sankopara, and New Farakka. Videos went viral showing kids putting stones on tracks. People think adults told them to do it. This is dangerous. It can make trains go off track or hurt people. In the past, the Howrah-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat got stones thrown at it many times. Railways fixed the glass but want to stop this. On the day, stones were thrown at the new sleeper train near Malda. No one got hurt, but it broke some glass. Police caught some people. Security was tight. More guards were on the train and tracks. Drones watched from above. The TMC party said the RPF beat a poor man at the station to clear the area. They shared a video. “Is this how Modi treats the poor?” they asked. But BJP said it’s all lies to make trouble. A police officer said, “We are looking into it. Safety is first.” These incidents show problems in some areas. People throw stones for fun or to protest. But it risks lives. Railways want strict laws against this.
PM Modi’s Rally: Attacks on TMC and Call for Change
After the train launch, Modi went to a big BJP rally in Malda. Many people came. He spoke for over 30 minutes. He hit hard at the Trinamool Congress. “TMC does divisive politics. They turn infiltrators into voters,” he said. He talked about changes in Bengal’s people and language due to outsiders coming in. “Riots happen in Malda and Murshidabad because of this. TMC helps them with syndicates.” Modi said Bengal needs real change. He gave a new slogan: ‘Paltano darkar, chai BJP sarkar’. This means ‘Change is needed, we want BJP government’. He said BJP won in other places like Maharashtra’s BMC polls. “People, especially young ones, trust BJP’s growth plan.” He promised to stop corruption if BJP wins in 2026. “All bad things by TMC will end.” Modi said the state blocks health cards like Ayushman Bharat. “Poor people suffer because of TMC.” Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma thanked Modi for the train. “It’s a big gift for the Northeast.” TMC leader said Modi’s words are just for votes. “He comes only for elections.” But BJP workers cheered. They think 2026 will bring change. Modi said, “I feel Bengal’s people want real poribortan.” He asked refugees not to worry. “BJP will protect you.”
Reactions from Leaders and Public
Many leaders spoke about the day. Railway Minister Vaishnaw said the train is a New Year gift. “It shows Modi’s vision for fast growth.” West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee did not come. Her party said the launch is just show. “Real problems like jobs are ignored.” But people in Malda were happy. A local said, “The train will help us go to Assam easy.” Some worried about stones. “Why do people do this? It hurts our own.” BJP leader said TMC fears losing. “That’s why trouble.” A railway worker said, “We work hard. Don’t damage trains.” Modi ended by saying India is strong when east grows. “Bengal is key.” The day mixed good news with worries. But the train start is a win for travel.
The launch shows India’s push for better trains. More Vande Bharat sleepers will come. This helps business and family trips. But safety must improve. Stop stone-throwing. Politics in Bengal is heating up for 2026. Modi’s visit starts the fight. People will decide.
FAQs
What is the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train?
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is India’s first high-speed train with sleeping berths. It runs between Howrah and Guwahati. It can go up to 180 km/h and cuts travel time to under 13 hours. It has AC coaches with comfy beds, lights, and plugs. Made in India, it gives plane-like feel at low cost. Tickets start cheap. It’s part of making railways modern.
When did PM Modi launch the train and where?
PM Modi launched it on January 17, 2026, at Malda Town station in West Bengal. He flagged off the Howrah-Guwahati train and the return one via video. It was a special first run. Regular service starts soon.
What are the stone-pelting incidents about?
Before the launch, RPF warned police about possible stone-throwing by bad elements. Videos showed kids placing stones on tracks near Jamirghata and New Farakka. On the day, stones hit the train near Malda, breaking glass. No injuries. Police are checking. This happens sometimes to Vande Bharat trains. Railways want more security.
What did PM Modi say about TMC at the rally?
At the Malda rally, Modi called TMC corrupt and violent. He said they stop central help and help infiltrators. “They loot money and cause riots.” He gave slogan ‘Paltano darkar, chai BJP sarkar’ for 2026 elections. He promised to end bad things if BJP wins.
What other projects were launched?
Along with the sleeper train, four Amrit Bharat Express trains started. These are for long trips with better speed. Also, 101 stations in Bengal get upgrades. Total cost over Rs 3,250 crore. This makes tracks stronger and stations nice.
Is the train safe after the incident?
Yes, railways checked the train after stones hit. No big damage. More guards and cameras are on. But people must not throw stones. It’s a crime.