Indian Railways’ New Year Gift: First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Run Between Guwahati and Howrah

Flag-off by PM Modi in January; semi-high-speed sleeper train to usher in a new era of overnight rail travel with enhanced comfort, safety and regional connectivity

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw, extended warm New Year greetings at a meeting at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi today while announcing that the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal. He stated that the complete trial, testing, and certification of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train have been successfully completed. In the month of January, Hon’ble Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on this route. The Minister stated that this development represents a significant milestone for Indian Railways, the nation, and its rail passengers. He also mentioned that 2026 will be a year of major reforms for Indian Railways, with several passenger-centric initiatives set to be introduced.

The districts benefitted by the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam State, and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal State. The train will have 16 coaches, including 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach, with a total capacity of around 823 passengers.

Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that a completely newly designed bogie with new suspension has been developed. The design parameters have been taken to a new level. Its interiors and ladders feature an ergonomic design, with special parameters implemented throughout for safety and security.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will offer a comfortable, safe, and high-quality travel experience for overnight journeys. The timetable of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be planned in such a way that it departs from its origin in the evening and reaches its destination early the next morning.

Passengers on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will enjoy region-specific culinary offerings during their journey. Train originating from Guwahati will feature authentic Assamese cuisine, while train starting from Kolkata will serve traditional Bengali delicacies, ensuring a delightful and culturally rich dining experience on board.

Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train:

Semi-high-speed train with design speed up to 180 kmph
Ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning
Automatic doors with vestibules for smooth movement
Enhanced ride comfort with superior suspension and noise reduction
Fitted with KAVACH
Disinfectant technology to maintain high sanitation
Driver cab with advanced controls and safety systems
Aerodynamic exterior looks & Automatic exterior passenger doors
Special arrangements for Divyangjans
Emergency talk-back unit for communication between Passenger and Train Manager/Loco Pilot in case of emergency
CCTVs in all coaches
Improved fire safety Aerosol based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks a new era in Indian Railways, combining speed, comfort, and modern amenities for overnight travel. It demonstrates the Indian Railways’ focus on passenger-centric services, technological innovation, and regional connectivity, offering travelers a safe, fast, convenient, and culturally enriched journey.