Vande Bharat Sleeper train launch: Howrah-Guwahati overnight journey begins today
Guwahati: India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train, designed for overnight semi-high-speed travel, is set to debut today on the Howrah-Guwahati (Kamakhya) route. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the train at Malda in West Bengal, marking a milestone in India’s railway modernization.
PM Modi to Flag Off Historic Sleeper Train
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Malda around 12.45 pm on January 17 to flag off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Howrah with Guwahati. The train promises a fully air-conditioned, comfortable overnight journey with cushioned berths, quieter cabins, and night-friendly lighting, distinguishing it from the regular Vande Bharat chair car services.
Route and Regional Impact
The train will cover key districts along the route, including:
- West Bengal: Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Murshidabad, Maldah, Jalpaiguri, Coochbehar
- Assam: Kamrup Metropolitan, Bongaigaon
Also read: 9 new Amrit Bharat Express trains announced: Know which states benefit; check routes and timings
Railways officials say the train will significantly improve connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast, benefitting passengers who currently rely on longer travel options or higher-cost air travel.
Fare Structure
The train will have 16 coaches, accommodating a total of 823 passengers:
- 11 AC 3-tier coaches
- 4 AC 2-tier coaches
- 1 AC First Class coach
Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw stated: “In Vande Bharat, the 3rd AC fare will be around Rs 2,300, including food; 2nd AC around Rs 3,000; and 1st AC around Rs 3,600. The fares are designed keeping the middle class in mind.” For comparison, current Guwahati-Howrah airfares range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000.
Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The train is equipped with several advanced features for comfort, safety, and efficiency:
- Comfortable sleeper berths
- Advanced suspension systems
- Automatic doors
- Modern toilets
- Fire detection and safety monitoring systems
- CCTV-based surveillance
- Digital passenger information systems
- Energy-efficient technologies
- Testing and Launch Timeline
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that testing and certification of the Vande Bharat sleeper trains have been completed. Initially proposed for the Guwahati-Kolkata route, the service is expected to become operational within 15–20 days, with PM Modi’s flag-off today marking the official inauguration.