India’s First Sleeper Vande Bharat Begins Operations
Indian Railways will flag off its first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Guwahati and Howrah this Saturday, January 17. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the service. The new train aims to strengthen regional connectivity between Assam and West Bengal. Moreover, it marks a major step in expanding premium overnight rail travel in eastern India. The sleeper service will operate on the 958-kilometre Howrah–Kamakhya route, offering faster travel and improved comfort. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw called the launch a milestone for both passengers and Indian Railways.
Guwahati–Howrah Route and Key Stations Covered
The Vande Bharat sleeper train will connect several key districts across the two states. In Assam, it will serve Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon. Meanwhile, in West Bengal, it will stop at Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah. The train will consist of 16 modern coaches. These include 11 three-tier AC, four two-tier AC, and one first-class AC coach. Altogether, the train can accommodate around 823 passengers. Additionally, newly designed bogies and upgraded suspension systems will ensure smoother journeys on long-distance routes.
Features, Safety Systems and Onboard Comfort
Indian Railways has equipped the Vande Bharat sleeper train with advanced safety and comfort features. For instance, the train includes automatic doors with vestibules for seamless movement. It also features Kavach anti-collision technology for enhanced safety. Furthermore, all coaches will have CCTV cameras and an emergency talk-back system. Special facilities for persons with disabilities are also available. At the same time, passengers can enjoy region-specific meals. The catering service will offer Assamese cuisine from Guwahati and Bengali delicacies from Howrah.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Fare and Booking Rules
The fare structure reflects the premium nature of the service. In Third AC, the fare from Howrah to Kamakhya is ₹2,299. However, passengers travelling to New Jalpaiguri will pay ₹1,334, while those going to Malda Town will pay ₹960. In Second AC, fares range from ₹1,240 to ₹2,970. Similarly, First AC fares go up to ₹3,640 for the full route. Notably, Indian Railways has fixed a minimum chargeable distance of 400 kilometres, along with 5% GST. Meanwhile, a recent circular suggested that the RAC option may not be available, although officials have not confirmed this yet.
