Indian Railways is set to launch its first sleeper-class Vande Bharat train, connecting Howrah in West Bengal to Kamakhya (Guwahati) in Assam, covering a distance of 958 kilometres. This new service marks a significant milestone in India’s rail transport, bringing the speed, comfort, and advanced technology of Vande Bharat trains to long-distance sleeper travel.
Train Composition and Capacity
The Vande Bharat Sleeper will have a total of 16 coaches, designed to accommodate 823 passengers:
- 11 three-tier AC coaches (3AC)
- 4 two-tier AC coaches (2AC)
- 1 first-class AC coach (1AC)
The train will also feature modern amenities, including:
- Automatic doors with vestibules
- Kavach anti-collision technology
- Emergency talk-back system
- CCTV surveillance
These features aim to provide a safer, faster, and more comfortable travel experience for long-distance passengers.
Route and Key Stops
The train will connect major districts across West Bengal and Assam, making travel more convenient for residents of North and South Bengal. Key stops along the route include:
- West Bengal: Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly
- Assam: Kamrup Metropolitan (Guwahati), Bongaigaon
This route addresses a long-standing demand to directly link South Bengal with northern towns like Malda, Alipurduar, Raiganj, and Balurghat.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Fares
The train will operate with a minimum fare distance of 400 kilometres, and passengers will need to pay 5% GST on the ticket price. Below is a detailed fare structure by class and route:
Howrah-based fares:
| Class | Howrah–Malda Town (324 Kms) | Howrah–New Jalpaiguri (556 Kms) | Howrah–Kamakhya (958 Kms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1AC | ₹1,520 | ₹2,113 | ₹3,640 |
| 2AC | ₹1,240 | ₹1,724 | ₹2,970 |
| 3AC | ₹960 | ₹1,334 | ₹2,299 |
Kamakhya-based fares:
| Class | Kamakhya–New Jalpaiguri (401 Kms) | Kamakhya–Malda Town (634 Kms) | Kamakhya–Howrah (958 Kms) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1AC | ₹1,524 | ₹2,409 | ₹3,640 |
| 2AC | ₹1,243 | ₹1,965 | ₹2,970 |
| 3AC | ₹962 | ₹1,522 | ₹2,299 |
For example, a 3AC passenger travelling from Howrah to Kamakhya will pay ₹2,299, while the same route in 1AC will cost ₹3,640. Fares for intermediate routes, such as Howrah to New Jalpaiguri or Kamakhya to Malda Town, are proportionately lower.
Inauguration and Launch
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to inaugurate the Vande Bharat Sleeper on Saturday, January 17, 2026, as announced by West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya. On the same day, PM Modi will also flag off the Amrit Bharat Express from Malda to Kamakhya, followed by a public address.
Significance of the Vande Bharat Sleeper
The introduction of the sleeper-class Vande Bharat marks a new chapter in Indian Railways’ services. Traditionally, Vande Bharat trains have been premium daytime services with chair car seating. The sleeper variant brings the following advantages:
- Comfortable long-distance travel: AC sleeper coaches allow passengers to rest during overnight journeys.
- Safety and technology: Kavach system and emergency communication enhance passenger safety.
- Better connectivity: The train bridges North and South Bengal and provides faster access to Assam, reducing travel time compared to conventional trains.
- Boost for regional economy: Improved connectivity is likely to benefit trade, tourism, and local businesses along the route.
Key Features Recap
- Total coaches: 16 (11 three-tier AC, 4 two-tier AC, 1 first-class AC)
- Passenger capacity: 823
- Technology: Kavach anti-collision, CCTVs, emergency talk-back, automatic doors
- Route: Howrah → key Bengal towns → Kamakhya (Guwahati)
- Fare range: ₹960 (3AC, Howrah–Malda) to ₹3,640 (1AC, Howrah–Kamakhya)
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to redefine comfort for Indian travellers on long-distance routes while maintaining the speed and technological edge of the Vande Bharat series. With its inauguration, residents of North and South Bengal, as well as Assam, can now look forward to a faster, safer, and more convenient travel experience.
This train not only caters to regular commuters but also strengthens cultural and economic ties across the eastern and northeastern regions of India, reflecting Indian Railways’ continued focus on modernisation and enhanced passenger experience.
Leave a Reply