Photos reveal Vande Bharat Sleeper features: Free meals, modern toilets and Kavach safety system
The Railway Board on January 14 said that catering services will be provided as an integral part of the fare on the upcoming Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, India’s first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train.
Passengers will not be charged separately for meals, as catering costs are already built into the notified fare for all classes.
Catering included in fare for all classes
The Railway Board on January 14 confirmed that catering services will be an integral part of the ticket fare on the Howrah–Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. Passengers across all classes will not be charged separately for meals, as catering costs are already included in the notified fare.
As per the Board’s directive, the respective zonal railway will reimburse IRCTC at a rate of ₹0.40 per passenger per kilometre, excluding GST, from the fare already notified. GST will be applicable as per existing rules.
IRCTC to manage meals, water and newspapers
IRCTC will be responsible for providing catering services based on journey duration between each origin–destination pair. Depending on travel time, services may include lunch, dinner, morning tea and evening tea, with menus finalised within the approved reimbursement limit.
In addition, IRCTC will supply one-litre Rail Neer packaged drinking water bottles and newspapers to all passengers, irrespective of journey length, without any separate reimbursement.
First Vande Bharat Sleeper to run on Howrah–Guwahati route
The Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route will host India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, significantly enhancing overnight connectivity between eastern and northeastern India. The service is expected to cater to students, professionals, migrant workers, traders and pilgrims travelling between West Bengal and Assam.
The train will comprise 16 modern coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers, designed specifically for long-distance overnight journeys.
Faster travel with modern design
Capable of operating at speeds of up to 180 kmph, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to cover the roughly 966 km distance between Howrah and Guwahati in about 14 hours, nearly three hours faster than the Saraighat Express.
Advanced aerodynamics, improved suspension systems and automatic doors with vestibules between coaches are aimed at ensuring a smoother, quieter and fatigue-free journey.
Comfort-focused sleeper amenities
The train features ergonomically designed sleeper berths, ample luggage storage, USB charging ports, modern and hygienic toilets, and Divyangjan-friendly spaces. Dedicated luggage areas near coach entrances and under-berth storage aim to keep interiors uncluttered during long journeys.
Region-specific cuisine on board
Passengers will be served region-specific meals as part of the onboard catering. Trains originating from Guwahati will offer Assamese cuisine, while services starting from Howrah will feature Bengali dishes, providing a culturally tailored travel experience.
Strong focus on safety and security
Safety systems on the Vande Bharat Sleeper include the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system, CCTV surveillance in all coaches, advanced fire safety mechanisms and an emergency talk-back system for passengers to contact crew members during emergencies.
Affordable alternative to air travel
Indicative fares have been proposed at around ₹2,300 for 3 AC, ₹3,000 for 2 AC and ₹3,600 for First AC. Indian Railways aims to position the Vande Bharat Sleeper as a premium yet cost-effective alternative to air travel for long-distance overnight routes.