Indian Railways is poised to revolutionize overnight travel with the launch of its inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper train in January 2026. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off the service in the second half of the month, marking a significant upgrade to India's rail infrastructure.
Route, Schedule, and Passenger Experience
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper service will connect Guwahati in Assam to Howrah (Kolkata) in West Bengal. The train's timings are designed for convenient overnight travel, allowing passengers to depart in the evening and arrive at their destination early the next morning. The route will serve key districts including Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam, and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal.
Passengers can look forward to a curated culinary experience, with regional delicacies served on board. Trains originating from Guwahati will feature Assamese cuisine, while services starting from Kolkata will offer Bengali food.
Coach Configuration and Expected Fares
The train will consist of 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with a total passenger capacity of 823. The composition includes:
- 11 AC three-tier coaches
- 4 AC two-tier coaches
- 1 First AC coach
The fares, inclusive of meals, are projected to be approximately INR 2,300 for 3AC, INR 3,000 for 2AC, and INR 3,600 for First AC. This service is expected to greatly benefit business travelers, tourists, and students traveling between the northeastern region and eastern India.
Advanced Features and Safety Systems
Minister Vaishnaw, who revealed the plans at a New Year meeting in Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, termed the sleeper variant a "game-changer." He confirmed that trials, testing, and certification have been successfully completed. The train recently achieved its design speed of 180 kmph during final trials on the Kota-Nagda section.
Key features that set this train apart include:
- Ergonomically designed berths with superior cushioning for comfort.
- An advanced suspension system for a smoother, quieter ride.
- The indigenous Kavach anti-collision system for operational safety.
- Aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems in electrical areas and lavatories.
- CCTV surveillance across all coaches and emergency talk-back units.
- Advanced sanitization technology and facilities for Divyangjan passengers.
The Future of Overnight Rail Travel
With two train sets already prepared, the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper on the Guwahati-Howrah corridor is just the beginning. The railways plan to introduce more such sets on other long-distance routes spanning 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers in the coming months. This initiative is part of a broader push for passenger-centric reforms promised for 2026.
The introduction of this semi-high-speed sleeper train is set to usher in a new era for Indian Railways, combining speed, safety, comfort, and modern design to redefine overnight train journeys in the country.
