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Malda: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda in West Bengal. This is the first high-speed train connection between West Bengal and Assam, both of which will go to Assembly polls this year. The PM also hit out at the Trinamool Congress (TMC) Government in the state, saying it does does not allow welfare schemes for poor to move forward.
Addressing the gathering after the flag-off ceremony, the PM said, “Today, Indian Railways is undergoing a phase of complete transformation. Railway electrification is progressing rapidly, railway stations are being modernised, and more than 150 Vande Bharat trains are now operating across the country, including in West Bengal. Along with this, a network of modern, high-speed trains is being developed — and the people of Bengal are directly benefiting from this transformation.”
“This is the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, connecting the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya. In the times to come, this modern train will be expanded across the entire country,” he added.
Talking about today’s launch, the PM further said, “From the sacred land of Bengal, another major step towards the modernization of Indian Railways has been taken today.Starting today, Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are being launched in India. These Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will make long journeys for the countrymen more comfortable, splendid, and memorable”.
Hitting out at the ruling Trinamool Congress Government in the state, he added, “The people of Bengal will truly prosper only when there is no longer a TMC government obstructing progress, but a BJP government driving development.”
“The TMC government does not allow welfare schemes meant for the poor to move forward. You tell me — should Bengal receive the benefits of schemes like free electricity or not? The real welfare of the people of Bengal will happen only when there is no obstructive TMC government here, but a BJP government instead,” the PM said further.
The PM further said, "I want every poor household in Bengal to have its own permanent home. Those who are entitled should receive free ration. I want the full benefits of the welfare schemes started by the Central Government for the poor to reach you.But friends, this is not happening. The TMC government here is extremely insensitive and ruthless. The money that the Central Government sends for the poor is being looted by TMC leaders."
Issuing a statement on today's flag-off, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said that the train has been developed to meet the growing transportation needs of the country. The fully AC Vande Bharat sleeper train would offer an “airline-like travel experience at economical fares” , it said in a statement. It added, “"By significantly reducing travel time by around 2.5 hours on the Howrah – Guwahati route, the train will also give a major boost to religious travel and tourism.”
The statement added that the fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India It will provide passengers an air travel-like experience at affordable fares. The train will make the long-distance travel faster, safer, and more convenient. By reducing travel time by approximately 2.5 hours on the Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) route, the train will also significantly boost religious pilgrimage and tourism. The train can run at a speed of 180 kilometers per hour.
As per the government, travelling on the sleeper Vande Bharat train will be affordable. The third AC (3AC) fare from Howrah to Kamakhya is Rs 2,299. The second AC (2AC) fare from Howrah to Kamakhya is Rs 2,970. Passengers traveling in the first AC (1AC) class will have to pay Rs 3,640 for the journey from Howrah to Kamakhya.
Apart from this train, the PM also flagged off four new Amrit Bharat Express trains via video conference. These include the New Jalpaiguri-Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express, the New Jalpaiguri-Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express, the Alipurduar-SMVT Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express, and the Alipurduar-Mumbai (Panvel) Amrit Bharat Express. The introduction of these four trains will improve affordable and reliable long-distance rail connectivity.
