‘Very big achievement for us’: Assam CM as PM Modi flags off Kolkata–Guwahati Vande Bharat sleeper express

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on January 17, described the launch of the Kolkata–Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Express as a “very big achievement” for the state, expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw for the initiative.

The Prime Minister flagged off the country’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train, marking a significant milestone in India’s railway connectivity. Speaking to reporters, Sarma said it was a proud moment for Assam that the inaugural sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express would operate on the Kolkata–Guwahati route.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has today launched the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train. It is a matter of great joy for Assam that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train launched today will run between Kolkata and Guwahati. This is a very big achievement for us. On behalf of the people of Assam, I thank the Prime Minister and the Railway Minister,” Sarma said.

The chief minister also informed that the scheduled talks between the Centre and the Karbi community, which were to be held on January 17, have been deferred due to the Prime Minister’s visit to the state. In a post on X, Sarma assured the Karbi Samaj that the talks would be rescheduled at the earliest.

Prime Minister Modi is on a two-day visit to Assam from January 17 to 18. As part of his visit, he will attend the Traditional Bodo Cultural Programme at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati on January 17.

According to an official release from the Prime Minister’s Office, Modi will participate in ‘Bagurumba Dwhou 2026’, a major cultural event celebrating the rich heritage of the Bodo community. More than 10,000 artists from the community are set to perform the Bagurumba dance in a single, synchronised presentation.

Artists from 81 Legislative Assembly constituencies across 23 districts of Assam will take part in the performance. Bagurumba, one of the most prominent folk dances of the Bodo community, is deeply inspired by nature and symbolises harmony between human life and the natural world. Traditionally performed by young women with men accompanying them as musicians, the dance represents peace, fertility, joy and collective harmony, and is closely associated with festivals such as Bwisagu, the Bodo New Year, and Domasi.

(Inputs from ANI)