Indian Railways is set to launch its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train in January 2026, connecting Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed the new service, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag it off in the second half of January. The launch marks a major step in modernizing long-distance rail travel in eastern India, offering passengers a faster and more comfortable overnight journey compared with conventional trains.
The sleeper variant is specifically designed for routes covering 1,000–1,500 km, blending semi-high-speed performance with long-distance comfort. The train will consist of 16 fully air-conditioned coaches, accommodating around 823 passengers. This includes 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and 1 First AC coach. Each coach features ergonomic sleeper berths, bio-vacuum toilets, automatic doors, better lighting, and modern interiors designed for passenger convenience. Safety is a key focus, with the train equipped with the indigenous Kavach anti-collision system, ensuring secure travel even at higher speeds.
In trial runs, the train has reached speeds of up to 180 km/h, while commercial operations are expected to run at around 160 km/h wherever track conditions allow. Fares have been set to make the service competitive with air travel on the same route: AC 3-tier at ₹2,300, AC 2-tier at ₹3,000, and First AC at ₹3,600, with meals included in many cases.
The Guwahati–Kolkata route will connect multiple districts in Assam and West Bengal, including Kamrup, Bongaigaon, Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah, boosting regional connectivity and travel options. Two train sets are ready for deployment, and Indian Railways plans to expand the sleeper service to other routes across the country during the year.
Officials highlight that the Vande Bharat Sleeper is a milestone in India’s rail modernization drive, offering passengers a combination of speed, comfort, safety, and affordability. It represents a significant upgrade for overnight travel, ensuring that long-distance journeys are quicker, smoother, and more convenient, especially for travelers in eastern India.
Also Read: Delhi air improves slightly, cold wave ahead
