Guwahati, Jan 12 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is anticipated to inaugurate the inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper Express on January 17, connecting Guwahati and Kolkata, which represents a significant advancement in long-distance overnight train travel and will enhance the connectivity between the Northeast region and Eastern India, as reported by officials on Monday.

A high-ranking official from the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) disclosed that the Prime Minister is expected to virtually inaugurate the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express from Malda in West Bengal on January 17, alongside several other train launches and numerous railway projects.

“Following the events in Malda, Prime Minister Modi is likely to embark on a two-day visit to Assam starting January 17, featuring a busy agenda that combines culture, infrastructure, and connectivity,” the official, who requested anonymity, informed IANS.

Meanwhile, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma previously announced that Prime Minister Modi will arrive in Assam on January 17.

During this visit, the Prime Minister will also flag off additional trains linking Dibrugarh to Lucknow and Guwahati to Rohtak via Delhi, thus further connecting Assam with vital areas of the country.

As stated by the Chief Minister, during the visit, Prime Minister Modi will engage in witnessing the traditional Bodo dance 'Bagurumba', which highlights Assam's rich cultural heritage on a national stage.

On January 18, the Prime Minister will head to Kaziranga to initiate the foundation stone for the elevated corridor project.

Chief Minister Sarma emphasized that the Prime Minister's visit underscores the Centre's dedication to Assam's progress and the development of environmentally sensitive infrastructure.

The elevated corridor project through Kaziranga has been a flagship initiative of the Assam government, aimed at resolving the enduring conflict between conservation and connectivity.

With the recent approval from the Union Cabinet, the project is expected to advance rapidly into the implementation stage, according to officials, marking a significant step toward sustainable development in the state.

The NFR's Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO), Kapinjal Kishore Sharma, mentioned earlier that the new-generation Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will operate with a 16-coach rake, providing a total passenger capacity of 823.

“The composition consists of 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one First Class AC coach, ensuring comfortable travel choices across various passenger segments,” he added.

According to the official, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is designed with a passenger-centric approach, featuring ergonomically designed cushioned berths, advanced suspension systems for superior ride comfort, noise-reduction technology, automatic doors with vestibules, and a modern Passenger Information System.

“Special provisions for 'Divyangjan' (differently abled) passengers, contemporary toilets, and advanced disinfection technology will further enhance hygiene, accessibility, and onboard comfort,” he noted.

Safety is a key feature of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express.

The CPRO stated that the train will be equipped with the 'Kavach' automatic train protection system, emergency passenger talk-back units, and a state-of-the-art driver's cab with advanced controls.

Its aerodynamic exterior and refined interiors represent the latest achievements in indigenous rail engineering and design, added CPRO Sharma.

The introduction of this rail service is expected to greatly enhance connectivity between Assam and West Bengal.

“The key beneficiary districts include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam, along with Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal,” CPRO Sharma stated.

This railway service will facilitate regional mobility while promoting trade, tourism, and socio-economic advancement.

The launch of India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express reiterates Indian Railways' commitment to innovation, passenger-focused services, and the vision of a modern, future-ready railway network for the nation, added the CPRO.