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Indian Railways is set to introduce the country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train on the Kolkata Guwahati route later this month. The 16-coach fully air-conditioned train has completed testing and certification, and will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. It offers 823 berths across 3AC, 2AC, and First AC classes, with fares significantly lower than air travel. The train features modern safety systems, improved suspension, automatic doors, upgraded toilets, and regional cuisine onboard, marking a key step in enhancing long-distance overnight rail travel in India.
Indian Railways is preparing to launch the first Vande Bharat sleeper train on the Kolkata-Guwahati route in the coming days, extending the Vande Bharat series into overnight long-distance travel. The 16-coach fully air-conditioned train has successfully completed testing and certification, making it ready for commercial operations. The service is designed specifically for journeys exceeding 1,000 kilometres and will provide faster and more comfortable travel compared with conventional overnight trains. Advertisement
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the train later this month, with the official flag-off likely around January 18-19. The service will have 823 berths, including 611 in 3AC, 188 in 2AC, and 24 in First AC. Fares have been set to remain well below typical air travel costs on this route, with 3AC at around INR 2,300 including meals, 2AC at INR 3,000, and First AC at INR 3,600, compared with Guwahati Howrah flights costing between INR 6,000-8,000.
The Vande Bharat sleeper train comes equipped with multiple passenger-focused features, including ergonomic berths, advanced suspension for smoother overnight travel, automatic doors, improved toilets, digital displays, fire detection systems, CCTV surveillance, and energy-efficient traction. Safety has been enhanced with the KAVACH collision prevention system, strengthened couplers, fire barrier doors, and aerosol-based fire suppression equipment.
Regional hospitality will be an added feature, with Assamese cuisine served on departures from Guwahati and Bengali dishes offered from Kolkata, giving passengers a cultural touch along the journey. The train aims to provide reliable, comfortable, and safe travel for a wide range of passengers, including middle-class travellers who previously relied on slower overnight trains.
Railway authorities have also highlighted that this sleeper service is part of a broader plan to expand Vande Bharat overnight operations to other long-distance routes, improving connectivity and modernizing the nation's rail network while offering world-class passenger amenities.
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