Assam chief minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma with Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal during the flag-off ceremony of the Guwahati-New Jalpaiguri Vande Bharat Express at Guwahati Railway Station on Monday. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the Vande Bharat Express which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, will prove beneficial for the development of tourism in the state and the northeastern region. The 18th Vande Bharat Express which became operational on Monday, will connect Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri station in West Bengal. This route witnesses heavy passenger traffic as a lot of people travel regularly on the route. Addressing reporters, Assam CM said: "The semi high speed train will further strengthen the connection between Assam and Bengal. We are very happy. Tourists can travel to the state with further ease and it will boost our tourism sector. The other states of northeast will also get benefits from this newly launched train service." Vande Bharat will cut short the travel time between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri by at least an hour
PTI
