PM Modi Flags Off India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper from Malda, Boosts NE Connectivity

• Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda, West Bengal, on the Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) route.
• PM Modi interacted with school children and loco pilots, discussing their studies, travel experiences, and train operations.
• Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the new service will enhance rail connectivity between Eastern and North-Eastern India, making overnight journeys faster, safer, and more comfortable.
• The 16-coach train, operated by North-East Frontier Railway Zone, includes AC Three-Tier, AC Two-Tier, and AC First Class coaches, aiming for premium overnight travel.
• The launch is expected to significantly reduce travel time, boost religious tourism, and commercial travel, with PM Modi also inaugurating other infrastructure projects worth over ₹4,000 crore.

Why It Matters: PM Modi launched India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper from Malda, enhancing Eastern and North-Eastern rail connectivity.