Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has unveiled the first look of India's much-anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper trains, marking a significant leap in long-distance rail travel. The new-generation trains, designed specifically for overnight journeys, promise to deliver superior comfort and modern amenities, with the first service scheduled to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the second half of January 2026.
A Deep Dive into the Upgraded Amenities
During a review of the new train sets, Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that the core focus was on elevating passenger experience for smoother long-distance travel. The sleeper version incorporates several critical upgrades over its predecessors.
The coaches feature an enhanced suspension system and new semi-automatic couplers, engineered to drastically reduce jerks and ensure a more stable ride. Passenger safety and convenience are bolstered by the installation of CCTV cameras across the train.
Inside, travellers will find completely redesigned seats and berths. The washrooms have been modernized with a focus on water conservation. A new, efficient pantry layout has been introduced, and separate berths have been allocated for on-duty staff to improve service delivery.
Route, Capacity, and Rollout Plan
The inaugural run of the Vande Bharat sleeper will connect Guwahati and Kolkata, covering key stations like Howrah and Kamakhya. This fully air-conditioned train set is built for routes spanning 1,200 to 1,500 kilometres.
Each 16-coach train will have a specific configuration: 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one AC first-class coach, offering a total passenger capacity of 823.
Regarding the rollout, the minister confirmed that two train sets are already prepared and have successfully completed trial runs. Eight more sleeper trains will be introduced over the next six months, taking the total fleet to 12 by the end of 2026.
Affordable Fares and Regional Connectivity
Positioning the service as a boon for middle- and low-income families, Indian Railways has announced competitive fare structures for the new service. The one-way fare between Guwahati and Kolkata will start at Rs 2,300 for AC three-tier, Rs 3,000 for AC two-tier, and Rs 3,600 for AC first class.
The new service is set to enhance connectivity for multiple districts. In Assam, it will serve Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon. In West Bengal, the beneficiaries will include Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah.
This development in mainstream rail travel coincides with progress on India's high-speed rail project. Advances have also been made on the route for the country's first bullet train, which is expected to be launched by August 15, 2027.
