Singur, West Bengal | January 18, 2026
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday addressed a massive public rally in Singur, West Bengal, emphasizing that the past 24 hours have been “historic” for both the state and the nation. He highlighted the launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and several Amrit Bharat Express trains, calling them milestones in transforming eastern India into a major driver of national development.
Modi arrived in West Bengal after completing his visit to Assam and participated in an official government program in Singur before addressing the public gathering.
“Work Done in 24 Hours May Not Have Happened in the Last 100 Years”
During the rally, the Prime Minister claimed that the pace of development achieved in just the past day “may not have been seen even in the last 100 years.” He reiterated that for a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India) by 2047, uplifting eastern India is essential, and the central government is working relentlessly in that direction.
Modi also said that Bengal is ready to end ‘jungle raj’ and asserted that strong action would be taken against infiltrators. He added that infiltrators were depriving the poor of their rights and accused the TMC of protecting them for political gains.
Message of Development: From Malda to Hooghly
PM Modi noted that he was in Malda on Saturday and now in Singur, underlining the government’s commitment to making eastern India the country’s new engine of growth. He said the back-to-back development programs reinforce this resolve.
Historic Moves in Rail Connectivity
The Prime Minister highlighted several major rail-related developments for Bengal:
India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train flagged off from West Bengal
Nearly half a dozen Amrit Bharat Express trains allocated to the state
Three new Amrit Bharat Express routes will connect Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Kashi
Approval of a major Extended Port Gate System at Balagarh, boosting logistics in the Hooghly region
Modi said the Balagarh project will reduce traffic and logistical pressure on Kolkata and open new opportunities for trade and industry.
Cargo Movement to Grow via Ganga Waterway
PM Modi also emphasized that the Ganga waterway will further accelerate cargo movement, offering industries a more affordable and efficient mode of transport. He described the ongoing infrastructure expansion as crucial for strengthening Bengal’s economic backbone.
“Eastern India Will Power a Developed India”
Reaffirming the government’s focus, the Prime Minister said that the decisions taken in the last 24 hours will transform Bengal and the entire eastern region in the coming years.
