New Delhi | January 2, 2026

The much-anticipated Vande Bharat sleeper train service connecting Guwahati and Kolkata will be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month, promising a faster, safer, and more affordable alternative to air travel between the two cities.

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday provided details of the service, highlighting that ticket fares will be significantly lower than flights, with a focus on affordability for the middle class.

“In Vande Bharat sleeper, the 3-AC fare will be around ₹2,300, 2-AC around ₹3,000, and 1-AC around ₹3,600. Food is included in all fares. The fares have been designed keeping the middle class in mind,” Vaishnaw said.

Launch Timeline and Route

The train is expected to begin operations within the next 15-20 days, likely around January 18, following approval from the Prime Minister. Vaishnaw indicated that the exact inauguration date would be announced in the coming days.

The 16-coach train has a capacity of 823 passengers and a design speed of 180 km/h, though it will operate at 120-130 km/h on the Guwahati-Kolkata route. The service will cover key districts across Assam and West Bengal, providing a faster and comfortable overnight travel option.

Cost Advantage Compared to Air Travel

Highlighting affordability, the minister noted that air travel between Guwahati and Kolkata costs around ₹6,000 to ₹8,000, while the Vande Bharat sleeper fares are much lower:

• 1-AC: ₹3.8 per km
• 2-AC: ₹3.1 per km
• 3-AC: ₹2.4 per km

The 16 coaches are configured with 11 3-AC coaches, four 2-AC coaches, and one 1-AC coach, totaling 823 berths: 611 in 3-AC, 188 in 2-AC, and 24 in 1-AC.

Features and Amenities

Vaishnaw highlighted several modern features aimed at passenger comfort, safety, and hygiene:

• Ergonomically designed berths with enhanced cushioning
• Automatic doors with vestibules for smooth movement
• Superior suspension for a quiet, comfortable ride
• Kavach automatic train protection system
• Emergency talk-back system
• Disinfectant technology capable of killing 99.9% of germs, ensuring high sanitation standards

Passengers can also enjoy regional cuisine onboard. Trains departing from Guwahati will serve Assamese meals, while those originating in Kolkata will offer Bengali dishes, adding a cultural touch to the journey.

Production and Expansion Plans

The railways ministry is ramping up production of the sleeper version of Vande Bharat. Vaishnaw said:

“By this year, 12 trains will be ready. From next year onwards, production will ramp up rapidly as the entire supply chain will be in place. Currently, eight more trains will be ready for operation in six months.”

This expansion plan reflects India’s growing focus on high-speed rail networks and modern train infrastructure to improve connectivity and passenger experience.

Transformative Impact

The Vande Bharat sleeper service is expected to redefine overnight travel in eastern India, offering a cost-effective and comfortable option for business and leisure travelers alike. By significantly reducing travel costs while maintaining modern amenities and safety standards, the initiative aims to encourage more people to shift from air travel to rail, promoting sustainable and inclusive mobility.

As the countdown to inauguration begins, passengers can look forward to an enhanced travel experience that combines speed, safety, hygiene, and affordability, further strengthening India’s high-speed rail network and regional connectivity.