India’s rail revolution accelerates with the launch of its maiden Vande Bharat Sleeper, flagged off by Prime Minister Modi. Spanning from Kolkata – home to the eternal Maa Kali – to Guwahati’s Maa Kamakhya, this train redefines overnight travel across eastern India.
In his keynote, Modi envisioned it as a catalyst for Atmanirbhar Bharat: ‘Connecting our sacred sites with superfast rails honors our heritage while embracing progress.’ The 12-coach train, equipped with regenerative braking and lithium batteries, ensures energy efficiency and passenger safety.
Travelers can expect luxury akin to flights: climate control, infotainment screens, and CCTV surveillance. The route’s optimization includes stops at key stations like New Jalpaiguri, enhancing accessibility. Industry experts project a 30% rise in passenger footfall within the first year.
This milestone follows the success of day Vande Bharats, expanding to sleepers for longer hauls. It not only serves devotees but also business travelers, potentially unlocking billions in economic value. As the whistle blows, India signals its readiness for a high-speed future, where tradition meets tomorrow.