**Executive Summary**
The Prime Minister's address, rendered in English, highlights the launch of multiple rail and road projects in Malda, West Bengal, on January 17, 2026. The address emphasizes the modernization and expansion of Indian Railways, with a focus on new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains and Amrit Bharat Express trains. The projects aim to improve connectivity, boost the economy, and provide employment opportunities.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Rail Projects Inauguration:**
* Inauguration of several rail projects aimed at developing West Bengal.
* Gifted new rail services to West Bengal to ease travel and simplify trade.
* Train maintenance facilities will create opportunities for the youth of Bengal.
* **Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains:**
* Commencement of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, designed to make long journeys comfortable.
* The trains are 'Made in India' and represent the modernization of Indian Railways.
* The first train connects Maa Kali's and Maa Kamakhya's lands, with plans to expand the network across India.
* **Amrit Bharat Express Trains:**
* Introduction of four new Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Bengal to various parts of India:
* New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil
* New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli
* Alipurduar – Bengaluru
* Alipurduar – Mumbai
* The trains will improve connectivity, especially for those visiting Bengal and Eastern India for pilgrimage.
* **Modernization and Self-Reliance:**
* Indian Railways is undergoing electrification and modernization of railway stations.
* More than 150 Vande Bharat trains are operating across the country.
* India is becoming self-reliant in manufacturing rail engines, rail coaches, and metro coaches and is exporting them globally.
**Impact Analysis**
**Citizens of West Bengal**
* **Impact:** Improved transportation, increased opportunities for trade and business, and access to modern railway facilities.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the new rail services for travel and trade.
**Passengers traveling to/from Bengal and Eastern India**
* **Impact:** More comfortable and convenient travel options, especially for long distances and pilgrimages.
* **Action Required:** Utilize the new Vande Bharat Sleeper and Amrit Bharat Express trains.
**Youth of Bengal**
* **Impact:** New employment opportunities in the railway sector, particularly in train maintenance.
* **Action Required:** Seek employment in the railway sector and related industries.
**Indian Economy**
* **Impact:** Boost from increased manufacturing and export of railway technology.
* **Action Required:** Support the growth and development of the railway sector.
Key Entities Referenced
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains: New sleeper train service aimed at improving long-distance travel comfort and modernizing the Indian Railways.
Indian Railways: The national railway system undergoing modernization, electrification, and expansion with high-speed trains.
Amrit Bharat Express: A type of modern express train aimed at improving connectivity within India.
West Bengal: The state where multiple rail and road projects were launched.
Prime Minister's Office
English rendering of PM’s address during launch
of multiple rail and road projects from Malda,
West Bengal
प्रव तथ: 17 JAN 2026 3:08PM by PIB Delhi
Governor of West Bengal, Shri C.V. Ananda Bose ji; my colleague in the Union Cabinet, Ashwini
Vaishnaw ji, Shantanu Thakur ji, Sukanta Majumdar ji; Leader of the Opposition in West Bengal, Suvendu
Adhikari ji; my colleagues in Parliament, Shamik Bhattacharya ji, Khagen Murmu ji, Kartik Chandra Paul
ji; other representatives, ladies, and gentlemen.
Today, the campaign to accelerate West Bengal’s progress from Malda has gained even more momentum.
A short while ago, several projects related to the development of West Bengal were either inaugurated or
had their foundation stones laid. New rail services have been gifted to West Bengal. These projects will
make travel easier for the people here and will also simplify trade and business. The facilities created here
for train maintenance will provide new opportunities for the youth of Bengal.
Friends,
From this holy land of Bengal, another major step has been taken today toward the modernization of
Indian Railways. Today marks the commencement of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in India. These new
Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will make the long journeys of our countrymen more comfortable, grand, and
memorable. What should the trains of a "Developed India" (Viksit Bharat) look like? It is clearly visible in
this Vande Bharat Sleeper train. A little while ago at Malda station, I was talking to some passengers;
everyone was saying that sitting in this train gave them a wonderful sense of joy. We used to look at
photos and videos of foreign trains and wish that such trains existed in India. Today, we are seeing that
dream turn into reality. I have noticed lately that foreigners are making videos of India’s metros and trains
to tell the world about the revolution taking place in Indian Railways. This Vande Bharat train is 'Made in
India'; the sweat of us Indians has gone into making it. This first Vande Bharat Sleeper train of the country
connects the land of Maa Kali with the land of Maa Kamakhya. In the coming times, this modern train
will be expanded across the entire country. I congratulate Bengal, Assam, and the whole country very
much for this modern sleeper train.
Friends,
Today, Indian Railways is undergoing a phase of transformation. Railways are being electrified, and
railway stations are becoming modern. Today, more than 150 Vande Bharat trains are running across the
country, including West Bengal. Along with this, a complete network of modern and high-speed trains is
being built, and its biggest beneficiaries are the poor and middle-class families of Bengal.
Friends,
Today, Bengal has received four more modern Amrit Bharat Express trains: New Jalpaiguri – Nagercoil
Amrit Bharat Express, New Jalpaiguri – Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express, Alipurduar – Bengaluru
Amrit Bharat Express and Alipurduar – Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express. This will further strengthen theconnectivity of Bengal, especially North Bengal, with South and West India. This is particularly for those
passengers who come from different parts of the country to visit Bengal and Eastern India—those who
come for the darshan of Ganga Sagar, Dakshineswar, and Kalighat. These Amrit Bharat Express trains
will make the journey easier for those traveling from here to Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra.
Friends,
Today, while Indian Railways is becoming modern, it is also becoming self-reliant (Aatmanirbhar). India's
rail engines, rail coaches, and metro coaches are becoming the identity of India's technology. Today, we
are manufacturing more locomotives than America and Europe. We export passenger trains and metro
train coaches to many countries around the world. All of this significantly benefits our economy and
provides employment to our youth.
Friends,
Connecting India is our priority; reducing distances is our mission, and this is evident in today’s program
as well. Once again, my best wishes to all of you for these projects. Thank you very much. I have to attend
a very large program nearby where many people are waiting; the things I haven't mentioned here, I will
explain in detail there, and the media's attention will also be more on that speech. Thank you very much.
***
MJPS/VJ
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