The Prime Minister will arrive in Malda, West Bengal, at around 12:45 PM and flag off the train from Malda Town railway station. Shortly after, at 1:45 PM, Modi will inaugurate and lay the foundation stones for rail and road projects worth over ₹3,250 crore during a public event in Malda.
Following the Malda event, Modi will travel to Guwahati, Assam, where he is scheduled to witness the traditional Bodo folk dance Bagurumba at the Arjun Bhogeshwar Barua Sports Stadium. The Prime Minister will stay overnight in Assam ahead of further engagements.
In a pre-tour message on X, Modi highlighted development and governance issues, stating, “Every passing day, some or the other instance of TMC misrule comes to the fore. West Bengal is fed up with TMC and is all set to reject them. People want a development-oriented BJP government.”
PM Modi’s schedule in Assam and West Bengal
On 18 January, Modi will visit Kaliabor, Assam, to lay the foundation stone for the ₹6,957 crore Kaziranga Elevated Corridor, aimed at reducing traffic congestion while protecting the UNESCO World Heritage site. He will also virtually flag off two Amrit Bharat Express trains—Dibrugarh–Gomti Nagar (Lucknow) and Kamakhya–Rohtak—and address a public rally.
Returning to West Bengal on 18 January, Modi will inaugurate the Extended Port Gate System in Singur, alongside development projects worth ₹830 crore, including railway connectivity upgrades. He will also flag off three Amrit Bharat Express trains from Howrah, Sealdah, and Santragachi.
Background and significance
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is part of the Indian Railways’ efforts to provide faster, more comfortable long-distance travel. The Howrah–Guwahati route is a vital link for northeastern connectivity, particularly for students, business travellers, and commuters between West Bengal and Assam.
Modi’s current visit follows previous engagements in Assam and West Bengal in 2025, where he addressed issues such as illegal infiltration, state governance, and development initiatives, emphasizing infrastructure growth and regional security.
The launch of the sleeper train is expected to further strengthen trade, tourism, and cultural exchange while offering a modern travel alternative for passengers on this important corridor.
