From Steel To Sleeper: PM Modi’s Bengal Visit Signals Infrastructure Renaissance |

Updated: January 16, 2026 23:01

Image Source: Hindustan Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit West Bengal on January 17-18, 2026, to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for multiple infrastructure projects worth over ₹4,000 crore. His itinerary includes flagging off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, launching Amrit Bharat trains, and boosting regional connectivity through road and port initiatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit West Bengal on January 17 and 18, marking a significant push for infrastructure and connectivity in the state. The visit will see the launch of projects spanning railways, roads, and waterways, collectively valued at more than ₹4,000 crore.

Key Highlights

On January 17, Modi will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train connecting Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town Railway Station. This fully air-conditioned train promises modern, comfortable, and affordable long-distance travel.
The Prime Minister will dedicate and lay foundation stones for rail and road projects worth over ₹3,250 crore in Malda, strengthening connectivity between Bengal and the North-East.
Seven Amrit Bharat trains will be flagged off, enhancing rail links between West Bengal and other states.
On January 18, Modi will visit Singur in Hooghly district to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for development projects worth around ₹830 crore, including initiatives to boost regional infrastructure.
The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, aimed at improving inland water transport and regional trade.
His visit extends to Assam, where he will perform bhoomi pujan for the Kaziranga elevated corridor project, further highlighting the government’s focus on connectivity in poll-bound states.

Impact And Significance

The projects are expected to accelerate economic growth, improve passenger convenience, and strengthen multimodal transport networks across Bengal and the North-East. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, in particular, represents a milestone in India’s railway modernization, while the Amrit Bharat trains and port expansion underline the government’s commitment to regional development.

Sources: Prime Minister of India official website, Telegraph India, Mtimes News, The Hindu

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