‘India makes more coaches than US, Europe’: PM Modi flags off Vande Bharat sleeper; calls it self-reliance push – The Times of India

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said India is now manufacturing more railway coaches than the United States and Europe, highlighting the country’s growing self-reliance. He made the remarks while flagging off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda in West Bengal.Addressing a public gathering after inaugurating the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route, PM Modi said India’s expanding railway manufacturing capacity was strengthening the economy and generating jobs. “Today, India is manufacturing more locomotives than America and Europe. We are exporting passenger and metro train coaches to many countries. This strengthens our economy and generates employment. Connecting India is our priority, and reducing distance is our mission,” he said.The Prime Minister said the country was not only modernising its transport infrastructure but also becoming self-reliant in the process. Referring to the Vande Bharat trains, he said, “There was a time when we watched videos and pictures of foreign trains and wondered if India could ever have such facilities. Today, we are living that reality. Now, foreigners make videos of Indian Railways and tell the world about the revolution taking place here.”Highlighting the cultural and regional significance of the new service, PM Modi said, “Vande Bharat is Made in India and will connect the land of Maa Kali to Maa Kamakhya. Indian Railways is going through a major phase of modernisation.” He added that Vande Bharat sleeper trains would soon operate across the country, making long-distance travel more comfortable.“From today, Vande Bharat Sleeper Class trains will start operating from this pious land of West Bengal. It will make people’s journeys memorable, comfortable, and magnificent,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the newly unveiled projects, especially new trains, would empower the youth.The launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper train marks a major milestone in Indian Railways’ modernisation drive and is part of a broader push to improve connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast. The Howrah–Guwahati service is expected to significantly reduce travel time while offering modern onboard amenities.During his visit to Malda, PM Modi also interacted with students, railway staff and train drivers who were present for the inaugural run. He is set to dedicate to the nation and lay the foundation stone of multiple rail and road infrastructure projects worth over Rs 3,250 crore aimed at boosting connectivity and development in West Bengal and the North-Eastern region.Railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the initiatives as a “gift” to West Bengal.“PM Modi is giving West Bengal a gift of more than one dozen new trains. The first service of Vande Bharat sleeper trains will start from Guwahati to Kolkata. PM Modi will inaugurate it. Amrit Bharat Express trains are going to run. Along with it, 101 stations are being reconstructed in West Bengal. Under this, the New Jalpaiguri (NJP) Railway Station is in the process of turning into a world-class station, with the addition of two new platforms,” Vaishnaw said. After West Bengal, the Prime Minister is scheduled to visit Assam, where he will participate in cultural events celebrating the heritage of the Bodo community. He will also perform the bhoomi pujan for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor project, a major highway initiative aimed at improving connectivity while ensuring environmental protection and wildlife movement.