Guwahati, Jan 15: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service, on January 17 marking a major milestone for Indian Railways and significantly upgrading overnight rail travel between eastern and northeastern India.
The inaugural service will run between Howrah near Kolkata and Kamakhya Junction, providing a high-speed overnight connection between West Bengal and Assam, both politically significant states heading into elections.
According to the Railways, all trials, testing and certification of the new sleeper train have been successfully completed. Designed to transform overnight journeys, the Vande Bharat Sleeper blends higher speeds, modern technology and passenger-centric amenities to deliver what officials describe as “premium comfort at affordable fares.
Unlike the existing daytime Vande Bharat chair-car trains, the sleeper variant has been purpose-built for long-distance night journeys, offering fully air-conditioned sleeper accommodation across three classes—1AC, 2AC and 3AC—along with enhanced safety, comfort and onboard services.
A senior official of the Northeast Frontier Railway described the launch as a “historic moment” for rail passengers travelling between Guwahati and Kolkata. “This is the first time a Vande Bharat Express is being introduced for overnight travel on this corridor. Special attention has been given to passenger comfort, safety and issues faced during night journeys,” the official said.
Faster overnight travel
The train will cover the roughly 1,000-km route in about 14 hours, departing both Howrah and Kamakhya in the early evening and reaching the destination the next morning. Railway officials said the service is expected to cut travel time by two to three hours compared to existing premium trains on the route.
The inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper rake will have 16 coaches—11 AC three-tier, four AC two-tier and one AC first-class coach—with a total capacity of around 823 passengers. Berth distribution reflects demand on long-haul East–Northeast routes, with 611 berths in 3AC, 188 in 2AC, and 24 in 1AC.
Although the train has been designed for a top speed of 180 kmph, it is expected to operate at a maximum speed of 120–130 kmph, depending on track conditions.
Comfort, safety and onboard experience
Railway officials said the sleeper Vande Bharat incorporates ergonomically designed berths, globally benchmarked suspension systems for a smoother ride, and automatic sliding doors that open only when the train arrives at stations.
Passenger safety is reinforced through the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system, extensive CCTV surveillance, and upgraded fire and sanitation systems. Disinfection technology onboard is designed to eliminate up to 99% of germs, while bedding, pillows, towels and interiors have been comprehensively upgraded.
A distinctive feature of the service will be its region-specific catering. Passengers travelling from Kamakhya to Howrah will be served Assamese cuisine, while those on the return journey from Howrah to Kamakhya will get Bengali dishes, with catering charges included in the ticket fare.
Fares and future rollout
According to officials, indicative fares are expected to be around ₹2,300 for 3AC, ₹3,000 for 2AC, and ₹3,600 for 1AC, inclusive of meals.
Indian Railways plans to introduce the Vande Bharat Sleeper on several long-distance routes across the country in phases, with the Howrah–Kamakhya corridor serving as the first operational model.
For passengers in Assam and West Bengal, the new service promises a faster, safer and more comfortable way to travel overnight—signalling a new chapter in premium long-distance rail travel in India.
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