West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya said on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Guwahati and Kolkata on January 17, a move he said will greatly improve connectivity in North Bengal, PTI reported.
Bhattacharya said West Bengal, particularly North Bengal, is set to receive a major boost early this year with the launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper service between Kolkata and Kamakhya from January 17.
Bhattacharya, who is also a Rajya Sabha MP, said the PM would also flag off the Amrit Bharat Express from Malda to Kamakhya on January 17 and then address a public meeting the same day.
Highlighting healthcare concerns, Bhattacharya said North Bengal's geographical constraints often force patients to undertake long and expensive journeys for treatment.
The new rail connectivity would significantly ease access to healthcare, employment and travel for ordinary and marginalised people, he added.
According to an official release, the new-generation train will operate with a 16-coach rake having a total passenger capacity of 823. The composition includes 11 AC 3-Tier coaches, 4 AC 2-Tier coaches and 1 First Class AC coach, offering comfortable travel options across different passenger segments.
Between Kamakhya and Malda Town: Fares are ₹2,409 for 1AC, ₹1,965 for 2AC, and ₹1,522 for 3AC.
Between Kamakhya and New Jalpaiguri: Tickets are priced at ₹1,524 in 1AC, ₹1,243 in 2AC, and ₹962 in 3AC.
Additional amenities include accessible facilities for Divyangjan passengers, contemporary toilets, and advanced disinfectant systems to improve hygiene and overall onboard comfort, according to the release.
Safety remains a defining hallmark of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. The train will be equipped with the Kavach automatic train protection system, emergency passenger talk-back units and a state-of-the-art driver cab with advanced controls.
The introduction of this service is expected to significantly boost connectivity between Assam and West Bengal, as per the release.
The commencement of India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Train reaffirms Indian Railways' unwavering commitment to innovation, passenger-centric services and the vision of a modern, future-ready railway network for the nation, the release highlighted.
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