Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Started, Travel Will Be As Comfortable As Flights, Know Ticket Fares and Other Information

Indian Railways is preparing to make major changes in the sleeper segment to make long-distance train travel faster, safer, and more comfortable. According to Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, plans are underway to develop 260 Vande Bharat Sleeper Train rakes across the country. This is considered the largest sleeper train modernization project to date. The primary focus of these trains is to improve long-distance overnight travel, which has previously been dominated by Rajdhani, Duronto, and Mail-Express trains.

Launch of the First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

On January 17, 2026, Narendra Modi flagged off the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train from Malda Town Railway Station. This launch is considered a major achievement not only for West Bengal but for the entire country’s railway network. This train will depart from Howrah and reach the Kamakhya Temple area, located in Guwahati, considered a major religious and transportation hub in Assam.

Train Design, Capacity, and Speed

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has been designed with semi-high-speed technology. It has a total of 16 coaches, including third AC, second AC, and first AC classes. This train can carry over 800 passengers at a time. The maximum speed is set at 180 kilometers per hour, allowing for a significantly reduced journey time. The target is to cover approximately 958 kilometers in approximately 14 hours.

Passengers will enjoy an airline-like experience

The new sleeper train has been designed to provide passengers with flight-like comfort. The berths have been designed with increased cushioning to reduce fatigue during long journeys. Newly designed stairs provide access to the upper berths. The train is equipped with automatic sliding doors that open and close only at stations.

For safety, the KAVACH anti-collision system, CCTV cameras in each coach, emergency communication systems, and fire detection systems have been installed. Modern bio-vacuum toilets and touch-free fittings improve hygiene. Disinfection technology has been used in the coaches, ensuring a safer journey. Regional cuisine is also planned, allowing passengers to experience local flavors.

Ticket Booking and Fares

Only confirmed tickets will be issued on this train. There will be no RAC or waiting list facility, so passengers will not have to worry about seat availability. Fares may be slightly higher than traditional premium trains, but travel time will be shorter, and amenities will be more. Estimated fares on the Howrah to Guwahati route are expected to be around ₹2,000 to ₹2,300 for AC 3-tier, ₹2,500 to ₹3,000 for AC 2-tier, and ₹3,000 to ₹3,600 for First AC.

Route and Stoppages

The train will stop at several important stations along its journey, providing better connectivity for passengers. Between Howrah and Kamakhya, it will stop at Bandel, Navadwip Dham, Katwa, Azimganj, New Farakka, Malda Town, Aluabari Road, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), Jalpaiguri Road, New Cooch Behar, New Alipurduar, New Bongaigaon, and Rangia.

Time Schedule Information

According to the initial plan, the train will depart Howrah at 6:20 pm and arrive in Guwahati the next morning. The return journey is also scheduled to be approximately the same to ensure a comfortable overnight journey for passengers. Stops are planned at several important stations along the route, providing greater convenience to passengers from eastern and northeastern India.

Future Plans

The Railway Ministry aims to introduce more Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in the coming years. This could transform the entire long-distance travel experience in the country. This project is considered a major step towards modernizing railway infrastructure in India.