The Speed of Development and the Track of Trust – Indian Railways
The Speed of Development and the Track of Trust – Indian Railways
From Adishakti Maa Kali to Maa Kamakhya: The Golden Saga of Modern India’s Rail Journey
By Binod Kumar Singh
Independent Journalist & Columnist
On the soil of Malda,that day was not merely marked by the ceremonial inauguration and foundation-laying of projects; rather, it unfolded as a powerful portrait of an India steadily advancing towards the future. This moment, connecting West Bengal with the North-Eastern region, emerged as a symbol of a vision in which connectivity itself is considered the foremost condition of prosperity.
In India’s journey of development, the Railways have always occupied a central role. They are not merely a means of transportation, but the strongest link of social mobility, economic expansion, and national unity. From the historic land of Malda in West Bengal, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of rail and road infrastructure projects worth over ₹3,250 crore, making it clear that development is no longer confined to policy documents but is manifesting tangibly on the ground.
The inspiring address delivered by the Prime Minister on this occasion was not a mere compilation of announcements. It clearly reflected the resolve that the progress of West Bengal would no longer move in fragments, but through a holistic and integrated approach. New rail services, advanced maintenance facilities, and modern infrastructure together reinforce the belief that the benefits of development must reach even the last person standing in the queue.
With the commencement of new rail services, travel for ordinary citizens will become easier, trade and commerce will gain momentum, and fresh opportunities for employment and skill development will open up for the youth. Railways are no longer just reducing distances; they are increasingly becoming bridges that connect possibilities.
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The most emotional and symbolic highlight of the entire programme was the launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Running from the sacred land of Adishakti Maa Kali to the divine land of Maa Kamakhya, this train does not merely connect two geographical points; it weaves together faith, culture, and modernity into a single journey. It marks a new chapter in the history of Indian Railways—one where technology and tradition travel side by side.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is set to redefine long-distance travel. Equipped with comfort, safety, and modern amenities, it reflects an India that is elevating its transportation standards to those of a developed nation. In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that today’s India no longer looks outward with aspiration, but instead creates examples for the world. The longing once inspired by images of foreign trains has now transformed into national self-confidence.
Built under the spirit of Make in India, Vande Bharat trains stand as concrete proof of India’s growing self-reliance. The fact that foreign tourists are capturing videos of the transformation of Indian Railways speaks volumes about the global recognition of this change.
Indian Railways today is undergoing a comprehensive transformation. Electrification, station redevelopment, expansion of high-speed trains, and the integration of advanced technology are collectively making rail travel safer, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly. The operation of more than 150 Vande Bharat trains across the country presents a compelling picture of this transformation.
In the same sequence, West Bengal has received four new Amrit Bharat Express trains—New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri–Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru, and Alipurduar–Mumbai. These trains will provide historic strength to connectivity in North Bengal, carrying not just passengers but also opportunities towards southern and western India.
Pilgrimages to sacred destinations such as Gangasagar, Dakshineswar, and Kalighat will now become more convenient, while stronger links with states like Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra will open new avenues for trade, education, and employment. It is this very connectivity upon which the enduring structure of economic development is built.
In his address, the Prime Minister particularly underlined that Indian Railways has become not only modern but also self-reliant. Today, India manufactures more locomotives than the United States and Europe, and exports passenger train and metro coaches to numerous countries. This achievement reflects the nation’s technological capability, industrial confidence, and strong presence in global competition.
Under the Malda programme, the foundation stones of four major railway projects were laid— the Balurghat–Hili new rail line, a state-of-the-art freight maintenance facility at New Jalpaiguri, upgradation of the Siliguri loco shed, and modernization of Vande Bharat train maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district. These projects will give a new direction to North Bengal’s future by enhancing passenger and freight capacity, improving logistics efficiency, and generating employment at the local level.
Additionally, the dedication of the electrification of the New Cooch Behar–Bamanhat and New Cooch Behar–Boxirhat rail sections to the nation signals that clean and energy-efficient transportation has now become an integral component of India’s development policy.
Viewed in totality, the initiative launched from Malda is not merely a one-day event, but a clear indication of the development journey of the coming decades. The Prime Minister’s address repeatedly highlighted that connecting India is a priority and reducing distances is not just an objective, but a national mission.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train running from Maa Kali to Maa Kamakhya stands as the most powerful symbol of this mission—where faith, modernity, and development move forward together. This is the India that remains rooted in its civilizational heritage while advancing towards the future with unwavering confidence.
