Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Malda, West Bengal, on January 17, with regular operations between Howrah and Guwahati starting January 18. The launch marks a major step in modernising overnight rail travel in eastern India.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the service will connect key districts in West Bengal and Assam, providing a convenient overnight travel option for a wide range of passengers.

Train Features and Capacity
The Vande Bharat sleeper train comprises 16 coaches with a total of 823 berths: 611 in 3-tier AC, 188 in 2-tier AC, and 24 in 1st AC. It underwent high-speed trials reaching 180 km/h, but will operate at 120–130 km/h on the Howrah–Guwahati route.

The train is equipped with modern amenities, including ergonomically designed berths, automatic doors with vestibules, enhanced suspension for smooth rides, noise reduction technology, the Kavach automatic train protection system, and an emergency talk-back system. Sanitation is enhanced through disinfectant technology that kills 99.9% of germs.

Fares and Catering
Ticket pricing is aimed at affordability: 3AC fares around ₹2,300, 2AC at ₹3,000, and 1AC at ₹3,600, all including meals. Catering will feature regional specialties, with Assamese cuisine on trains from Guwahati and Bengali dishes on trains from Kolkata.

Future Expansion
Vaishnaw indicated that 12 Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be operational by the end of the year, with production expected to ramp up in 2027, paving the way for wider deployment of these modern overnight services across India.