Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on a two-day visit to West Bengal and Assam, placing railways and infrastructure expansion at the centre of his outreach in eastern India. The visit has been marked by the launch and foundation-laying of projects valued at thousands of crores, aimed at improving connectivity and accelerating regional growth.

A key highlight was the flagging off of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Howrah–Guwahati route, designed to transform long-distance overnight travel with faster journeys and modern onboard facilities. The Prime Minister also launched multiple Amrit Bharat Express services, strengthening rail links between New Jalpaiguri and major southern cities, and enhancing access to commercial and tourism hubs.

On the second day of his tour, Modi is scheduled to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for projects worth over ₹830 crore in Singur, Hooghly district, alongside additional development works in Assam. Officials said the initiatives span rail, transport and allied infrastructure sectors.

The introduction of sleeper variants of Vande Bharat signals a shift from short-haul premium trains to long-distance passenger convenience, particularly benefiting the Northeast’s integration with the rest of India. For West Bengal and Assam, improved rail connectivity could lower logistics costs and boost tourism and trade. As execution timelines now become crucial, the real test will be whether these high-profile announcements translate into faster completion and everyday gains for commuters.