Kolkata/IBNS: "There is no substitute for mother. Your mother is our mother also," said West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday condoling the demise of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's mother Heeraben Modi, who passed away at 100 last night.

Addressing the Prime Minister during the flagging off Vande Bharat Express in Kolkata, Banerjee advised Modi to "take some rest" and also curtail the day-long virtual programme in Kolkata.

Banerjee said, "I do not know how to offer my condolences to your family members because there is no substitute for mother.

"Your mother means our mother also. I remember my mother also. Sir, may God give you the strength to continue your work."

Hours after performing the last rites of his mother Heeraben Modi, Prime Minister Modi on Friday flagged off the country's seventh and West Bengal's first Vande Bharat Express train in Kolkata.

Modi, who was earlier scheduled to be physically present in the city, flagged off virtually from Howrah Station.

The Prime Minister has also inaugurated the Joka-Taratala metro route in Kolkata.

He is scheduled to participate in a host of events in Kolkata virtually on Friday.