PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Connecting Kamakhya and Howrah

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged of India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda in West Bengal, as Assam Governor Lakshman Prasad Acharya and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma attended the flag off ceremony virtually from Kamakhya Railway station here.

It may be noted that the high-speed Vande Bharat sleeper train will run between Kamakhya Station in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal. It is India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train, marking a remarkable achievement for the region and for Indian Railways.

The 16-coach rake comprises 11 AC 3-Tier coaches, four AC 2-Tier coaches and one First AC coach, with a total passenger capacity of 823 passengers (AC 3-Tier: 611, AC 2-Tier: 188, First AC: 24). The train will cover the distance of 972 km between Guwahati and Kolkata in 14 hours.

The train is scheduled to depart from Kamakhya at 18:15 hrs, and reach Howrah at 08:15 hrs on the next morning. In the return trip, the train is scheduled to depart from Howrah at 18:20 hrs, and reach Kamakhya at 08:20 hrs the next day.

Speaking on the occasion, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma today said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's flagging of India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Malda in West Bengal to Kamakhya in Guwahati reiterated his commitment towards Assam and northeast.

CM Sarma said that North Eastern Region once considered as periphery, has now been transformed into a centre of importance with improved modes of connectivity.

"Thanks to the NDA government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who brought North East at the centre of all important government priorities," Sarma stated.

The Chief Minister on the occasion also thanked the Prime Minister for flagging off the first Vande Bharat sleeper between Kamakhya and Howrah. Introduction of the train will augur well in revolutionizing the rail connectivity in the region.

He expressed hope that the train will definitely further strengthen the bond of friendship and boost cultural and religious tourism of the both the states.

Sarma moreover said that under the NDA government there has been an intensive focus on improvement of the railway infrastructure in Assam and other Northeastern states in recent years. He said that the transport and logistics infrastructure in Assam is crucial for economic development of the region considering Assam’s geo-strategic location in the country.

He also said that the focus of the Centre can be clearly seen from the series of development activities, ushering a new connectivity revolution in the region. He in this regard also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister who will also flag off two Amrit Bharat Express Trains from Kaziranga on Sunday.