PM Narendra Modi to Visit West Bengal and Assam on 17–18 January | Accelerates the growth engine in Rail, Road & Connectivity Projects Worth Over ₹11,000 Crore
The Prime Minister’s West Bengal and Assam visit on 17–18 January 2026 underscores a strong push towards modern railways, sustainable highways, inland waterways, cultural promotion and regional connectivity, positioning Eastern and North-Eastern India as key growth engines of the nation.
Narendra Modi will be on a two-day visit to West Bengal and Assam on 17–18 January 2026, inaugurating, laying foundation stones and flagging off major rail, road, port and cultural initiatives aimed at boosting infrastructure, connectivity, tourism and regional development in Eastern and North-Eastern India.
PM in West Bengal | 17–18 January 2026
Malda: Rail & Road Projects Worth ₹3,250 Crore (17 January)
On 17 January, the Prime Minister will visit Malda, where he will:
• Flag off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) from Malda Town Railway Station.
• The fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper Train promises airline-like comfort at affordable fares, faster long-distance travel and a 2.5-hour reduction in travel time on the Howrah–Guwahati route, boosting tourism and religious travel.
• Inaugurate and lay foundation stones for rail and road projects worth over ₹3,250 crore, strengthening passenger and freight connectivity in West Bengal and the North-East.
Key Rail Initiatives in Malda
• Foundation stone for four major railway projects, including:
• Balurghat–Hili new rail line
• Next-generation freight maintenance facility at New Jalpaiguri
• Upgradation of Siliguri Loco Shed
• Modern Vande Bharat maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district
• Dedication of electrified rail sections: New Coochbehar–Bamanhat and New Coochbehar–Boxirhat
• Flag-off of 7 Amrit Bharat Express trains, enhancing affordable inter-state rail connectivity
• Launch of new LHB-coach services connecting North Bengal with major employment hubs like Bengaluru
Road Infrastructure
• Foundation stone for four-laning and rehabilitation of the Dhupguri–Falakata section of NH-31D, improving road connectivity and logistics in North Bengal.
Hooghly (Singur &Balagarh): Development Projects Worth ₹830 Crore (18 January)
On 18 January, the Prime Minister will visit Hooghly, where he will:
• Inaugurate, lay foundation stones and flag off projects worth over ₹830 crore at Singur.
• Lay the foundation stone of the Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, including an Inland Water Transport (IWT) terminal and Road Over Bridge.
Balagarh IWT & Port Development
• Spread over ~900 acres with a capacity of 2.7 MTPA
• Two dedicated cargo jetties (containerised and dry bulk)
• Aims to reduce congestion in Kolkata, improve logistics efficiency, boost MSMEs, agriculture and generate employment.
Other Key Initiatives in Hooghly
• Launch of a state-of-the-art Electric Catamaran on the Hooghly River to promote eco-friendly urban water transport and tourism.
• Inauguration of the Jayrambati–Barogopinathpur–Maynapur rail line, part of the Tarkeshwar–Bishnupur project.
• Flag-off of three Amrit Bharat Express trains connecting Kolkata with Anand Vihar Terminal, Banaras and Tambaram.
PM in Assam | 17–18 January 2026
Guwahati:BagurumbaDwhou 2026 (17 January)
On the evening of 17 January, the Prime Minister will attend “BagurumbaDwhou 2026” at Sarusajai Stadium.
• Over 10,000 Bodo artists from 23 districts will perform the traditional Bagurumba dance, celebrating Bodo heritage, harmony with nature and cultural unity.
Kaliabor: Kaziranga Elevated Corridor & Rail Connectivity (18 January)
On 18 January, the Prime Minister will visit Kaliabor to:
• Perform Bhoomi Pujan for the Kaziranga Elevated Corridor Project worth over ₹6,950 crore.
• The 86-km NH-715 project includes a 35-km elevated wildlife corridor through Kaziranga National Park, ensuring animal movement, reducing human-wildlife conflict and improving regional connectivity.
• Flag off two new Amrit Bharat Express trains:
• Guwahati (Kamakhya)–Rohtak
• Dibrugarh–Lucknow (Gomti Nagar)