Vande Bharat Sleeper: On January 17, 2026, Indian Railways will enter a new era. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to launch the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town Railway Station in West Bengal. This train is fully air-conditioned and promises to make long-distance overnight travel super comfy and safe. It will operate between Howrah (Kolkata) and Kamakhya (Guwahati).
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is a semi-high-speed train featuring 16 coaches, which include 11 third AC, 4 second AC, and 1 first AC. There are 611 berths in third AC, 188 in second AC, and 24 in first AC, allowing it to accommodate a total of 823 passengers. With a top speed of 180 kilometers per hour, it will complete the 958-kilometer trip from Howrah to Guwahati in just 14 hours. Only confirmed tickets will be sold for the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, meaning no RAC or waiting list, ensuring a hassle-free journey.
Now, let’s talk about the modern amenities on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train that will provide an airline-like experience for travelers.
– Cozy and well-cushioned berths (sleeper beds)
– Newly designed ladder for easy access to upper berths
– Automatic sliding doors that open and close at the station
– KAVACH anti-collision system (for safety)
– CCTV cameras in every coach, emergency talk-back system, and fire detection
– Modern bio-vacuum toilets and touch-free fittings
– Catering featuring regional dishes (like Bengali and Assamese cuisine)
– Disinfectant technology to keep coaches clean and germ-free at all times
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Fares
AC three-tier: Approximately Rs 2,000 to Rs 2,300 (including 5% GST)
AC two-tier: Approximately Rs 2,500 to Rs3,000
First AC: Rs 3,000 to Rs 3,600
While the fare is a bit higher than the Rajdhani Express, the journey will be more comfortable and quicker.
The train will make stops at the following stations between Howrah and Kamakhya:
Bandel
Navadwip Dham
Katwa
Azimganj
New Farakka
Malda Town
Aluabari Road
New Jalpaiguri (NJP)
Jalpaiguri Road
New Cooch Behar
New Alipurduar
New Bongaigaon
Rangia
The train is set to leave Howrah at 6:20 PM and is expected to reach Kamakhya at 8:20 AM the following morning. For the return trip, it will leave Kamakhya at 6:15 PM and arrive back in Howrah at 8:15 AM. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has shared that more Vande Bharat sleeper trains are on the way for 2026, which will make long-distance travel a breeze.