Guwahati to Howrah in style: India's first Vande Bharat sleeper to start by Jan 19
New Delhi: Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced Thursday that the inaugural Vande Bharat sleeper train has completed its rigorous testing and certification phase, with the first service scheduled to operate between Guwahati and Kolkata.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to officially flag off the high-speed overnight service within the next 15 to 20 days, likely around Jan. 18 or 19.
The sleeper variant is an evolution of the popular Vande Bharat chair car, designed specifically for journeys exceeding 1,000 kilometres. The minister stated that 12 such trainsets are expected to be integrated into the national rail network by the end of 2026, with production set to accelerate further next year.
"For a long time, there has been a demand for new generation trains," Vaishnaw said during a press conference. "Vande Bharat chair car started a new era in Indian Railways. People started liking it a lot. Demands are being received from all corners of the country for running Vande Bharat trains."
Pricing for the Guwahati–Howrah route has been positioned to compete with air travel. While flights between the two cities often cost between 6,000 and 10,000 rupees, the Vande Bharat 3AC fare is set at approximately 2,300 rupees. The 2AC berth will cost roughly 3,000 rupees, while the First AC fare is proposed at 3,600 rupees.
The train recently cleared its final high-speed assessment on the Kota–Nagda section, where it reached 180 kph. During the trials, the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) evaluated stability, vibration, and emergency braking. Vaishnaw shared a video of a "water-glass test," showing full glasses remaining steady at top speed to demonstrate the train’s superior suspension and ride quality.
The 16-coach rake features:
- Advanced Safety: Inclusion of the KAVACH anti-collision system, fire barrier doors, and aerosol-based suppression systems.
- Passenger Amenities: Ergonomic ladders for upper berths, UV-C air disinfection systems, and a dedicated lavatory for passengers with disabilities.
- Modern Tech: Fully sealed gangways, semi-permanent jerk-free couplers, and a centralised monitoring system for onboard climate and lighting.
"The Vande Bharat Sleeper train has been designed keeping long-distance travel of over a thousand kilometres in mind," Vaishnaw said. "This train will provide a fast, comfortable, and modern travel experience to long-distance passengers."
The launch represents a significant milestone in the government’s "Atmanirbhar Bharat" initiative, emphasising indigenous manufacturing and high-speed rail self-reliance.
With inputs from ANI