"Memorable interaction with young friends": PM Modi speaks with students on board Vande Bharat sleeper train in West Bengal

PM Modi launched the Vande Bharat Sleeper train to transform long-distance travel in India. The Vande Bharat Express will operate on the Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) route.

The Prime Minister, in an X post, called his interaction with "young friends" a "memorable" one.

"A memorable interaction with my young friends at Malda Station. There is immense enthusiasm on the flagging off of the first Vande Bharat sleeper train," PM Modi wrote on X, sharing a video of interaction with students.

A student who met PM Narendra Modi, on board the Vande Bharat sleeper train, called it a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity."

"This was a golden opportunity, a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. I want to thank my school for giving me the chance to travel in the first Vande Bharat sleeper train and meet PM Modi. Sir asked us how we got this opportunity," the student said.

Earlier today, addressing a gathering after flagging off the train, the Prime Minister highlighted the momentum of development in the state.

PM Modi said, "Today, the campaign to accelerate West Bengal's progress from Malda has gained even more momentum. Just a short while ago, the laying of foundation stone and inauguration of numerous projects related to West Bengal's development took place."

He announced the addition of new rail services and infrastructure aimed at improving mobility and economic activity.

"New rail services have been provided to West Bengal. These projects will make travel easier for the people here and also simplify trade and business. The new facilities built for track maintenance here will create fresh opportunities for the youth of this region," the Prime Minister said.

Calling it a historic step for Indian Railways, PM Modi added, "From the sacred land of Bengal, another major step towards the modernisation of Indian Railways has been taken today. Starting today, Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are being launched in India."

Explaining the impact of the new service, he said, "These Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will make long journeys for the countrymen more comfortable, splendid, and memorable. This country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train is connecting the land of Mother Kali to the land of Mother Kamakhya. In the coming times, this modern train will expand across the entire country," he said.

"I congratulate Bengal, Assam, and the entire country for this modern sleeper train. Today, Bengal received four more modern Amrit Bharat Express trains. New Jalpaiguri - Nagercoil Amrit Bharat Express; New Jalpaiguri - Tiruchirappalli Amrit Bharat Express; Alipurduar - Bengaluru Amrit Bharat Express; Alipurduar - Mumbai Amrit Bharat Express," he added. (ANI)