The first-ever Vande Bharat sleeper train will begin operations between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal later this month, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday.
Vaishnaw said all trials, testing and certification of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train have been completed, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the inaugural service on the route in January.
Calling it a major milestone for Indian Railways, the minister said the introduction of the sleeper variant marks a significant upgrade in long-distance passenger travel.
He added that 2026 would be a year of major reforms for Indian Railways, with several passenger-centric initiatives lined up to improve comfort, safety and overall travel experience.
The Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will benefit several districts along the route, including Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam, and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal.
The train will have 16 coaches, comprising 11 three-tier AC coaches, four two-tier AC coaches and one first-class AC coach, with a total passenger capacity of around 823. Designed for overnight journeys, the train’s schedule will be planned to allow departure in the evening and arrival at the destination early the next morning.
With a design speed of up to 180 kmph, the semi-high-speed train features ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning, automatic doors with vestibules for smoother movement between coaches, and CCTV cameras in all compartments.
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Vaishnaw said a newly designed bogie with advanced suspension has been developed, taking design and comfort parameters to a new level, while safety features have been enhanced across interiors and access ladders.
The sleeper train will also offer region-specific onboard cuisine. Services originating from Guwahati will serve traditional Assamese dishes, while those starting from Kolkata will feature Bengali delicacies, providing passengers with a culturally distinctive dining experience.
In terms of safety, the train is equipped with the KAVACH automatic train protection system, emergency talk-back units for direct communication with train staff and the loco pilot, and an improved aerosol-based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories.
