January 10,2026
New Rail Link: Balurghat–Bengaluru Express to Connect North Bengal and South India
Kamal Kumar Biswas.TOD.Balurghat
After years of anticipation, South Dinajpur is poised for a major rail connectivity breakthrough, with a direct Balurghat–Bengaluru Express train set to be introduced 17th January . The development marks a significant milestone for the region and is being credited locally to sustained efforts by Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Member of Parliament from Balurghat.
The formal announcement is expected during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s proposed visit to Malda on January 17, a tour that is set to feature the inauguration and foundation-laying of several key railway projects in West Bengal.
According to sources, the Prime Minister will flag off multiple new train services from Malda. The most prominent among them is the Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, India’s first long-distance sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat series. With modern sleeper coaches, automated doors, enhanced security systems and faster travel times, the train is expected to significantly strengthen rail connectivity between West Bengal and the Northeast.
Another major highlight of the day will be the launch of the Balurghat–Bengaluru Weekly Express, with Sir M. Visvesvaraya Terminal (SMVT), Bengaluru, proposed as its final destination. Dr.Sukanta Majumdar says the train will provide long-awaited direct access from South and North Dinajpur to southern India’s technology, education and healthcare hub.
The service is expected to benefit professionals, students and migrant workers employed in Bengaluru’s IT sector, while also offering residents of North Bengal easier access to advanced medical facilities in southern India — a long-standing demand in the region.Sources have indicated that the Balurghat–SMVT Bengaluru Express will operate on a weekly basis, though details regarding its route, timetable and coach composition are yet to be officially notified.
Additionally, a Bengaluru–Radhikapur Express is under consideration, which would extend direct connectivity to Radhikapur(Kaliyaganj), an international border station near Bangladesh. The service would further elevate Balurghat’s strategic importance on the national rail map and ease travel for residents of border and adjacent areas.
With these services in place, Balurghat’s rail profile is expected to undergo a significant transformation. Until now, passengers traveling to southern India were required to route their journeys through Kolkata or other major junctions. Direct trains from Balurghat and Radhikapur would substantially reduce travel time and inconvenience.Commenting on the development, Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, Union Minister of State for education and Balurghat MP, described the announcement as historic.
“This is a landmark moment for the people of South Dinajpur,” he said. “A long-cherished dream is finally being realised under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The official announcement regarding the Balurghat–Bengaluru Weekly Express will be made from Malda on January 17.”
Dr. Majumdar also expressed gratitude, on behalf of his constituents, to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Prime Minister Modi for prioritising the region’s rail infrastructure needs.In a political remark, he referred to recent comments made by Trinamool Congress leader Abhishek Banerjee, stating that delivering on promises, not rhetoric, defines political credibility.
As anticipation builds ahead of the Prime Minister’s Malda visit, residents across South Dinajpur see the upcoming train services as more than just new routes — they view them as long-overdue recognition of the region’s place in India’s national development story.
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