PM Modi Flags Off India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Guwahati And Howrah

Last Updated:January 17, 2026, 13:36 IST

The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat is aimed at enhancing long-distance rail travel with improved comfort and efficiency.

PM Narendra Modi flags off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya) at Malda Town Railway Station, marking a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ modernisation drive.

The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat is aimed at enhancing long-distance rail travel with improved comfort and efficiency.

Developed to meet the growing transportation needs of modern India, the fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper train is set to offer passengers an airline-like travel experience at economical fares. It will make long-distance journeys faster, safer, and more convenient.

All About India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper On Howrah-Guwahati Route

• The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Train set to run on the Howrah-Guwahati route will significantly reduce the travel time by around 2.5 hours. The train will also give a major boost to religious travel and tourism.
• The Vande Bharat Sleeper train, with design speed of the train is 180 kmph, will have 16 coaches — eleven 3-tier, four 2-tier, and one AC, and will be quipped with Kavach and Emergency talk back systems.
• The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will have a total seating and sleeping capacity of 823 passengers, with 611 in 3-tier, 188 in 2-tier and 24 in 1 AC.
• As per fares notified by Indian Railways, AC 3-tier tickets start at Rs 960 for journeys up to 400 km. AC 2-tier costs around Rs 1,240, while First Class AC is about Rs 1,520. For trips close to 1,000 km, fares range between Rs 2,400 and Rs 3,800. These prices are lower than most flight tickets. This makes sleeper trains a more affordable travel option.
• The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train passengers will enjoy improved facilities, transparent ticketing, and uniform rules. All the staff onboard will be wearing a uniform.
• The train will also be provided with local cuisine on board. Two trains will be launched and will operate from both sides. The journey will be overnight – serving dinner at night and tea in the morning.
• The indigenously designed and manufactured Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, when starting from Guwahati, will serve Assamese cuisine. On its way from Kolkata, Bengali cuisine will be served, the Union minister had said earlier.
• The train is equipped with ergonomically designed berths with better cushioning. It features automatic doors with vestibules for easy movement, improved suspension for a smoother ride, and reduced noise levels.
• The Vande Bharat Sleeper will be open only to the general public. There will be no VIP or emergency quota on this train. Senior and top railway officials will also not be allowed to travel using railway passes. Only passengers with confirmed tickets will be permitted to board.

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