Ashwini Vaishnaw Reviews India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at New Delhi Station
Advanced Safety and Passenger-Friendly Features
The Impressive TimesNew Delhi, January 3, 2026: Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw on Friday inspected India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at New Delhi Railway Station, marking a major milestone in the modernization of long-distance rail travel.
During the visit, the Minister carried out a detailed review of the train’s sleeper coaches, assessing seating and berthing layouts, interior design, safety mechanisms, and passenger convenience features. Officials briefed him on how the train has been designed with a strong focus on comfort, hygiene, and enhanced safety standards.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is equipped with a range of modern technologies, including automatic doors, the KAVACH indigenous train protection system, advanced fire safety arrangements, and CCTV surveillance across all coaches. Additional emphasis has been placed on improved sanitation through innovative toilet designs that reduce water splashes and enhance cleanliness during travel.
Disinfectant technology and upgraded onboard systems further reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to providing a safer and cleaner travel environment for passengers.
Railway officials informed the Minister that the train has successfully completed its trial runs, testing, and certification process and is fully ready for commercial operations. The inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper service will run between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal, introducing a modern overnight travel option on a key eastern corridor.
The train is scheduled to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month, officials confirmed.
The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has been configured to accommodate approximately 823 passengers. Its composition includes:
Designed with advanced suspension systems and ergonomic interiors, the train aims to provide a smoother ride experience while maintaining high standards of comfort and hygiene.
Adding a cultural touch to the journey, the train will offer region-specific cuisine to passengers. Services originating from Guwahati will serve traditional Assamese dishes, while those starting from Kolkata will feature authentic Bengali food, enhancing the onboard travel experience.
With a design speed of up to 180 kmph, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train represents a blend of faster travel and modern amenities. Officials said the project highlights Indian Railways’ focus on innovation, passenger-centric services, and the transformation of long-distance rail journeys.
The introduction of the sleeper variant is expected to redefine overnight train travel in India, combining speed, safety, and comfort in a single platform.
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