India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: A Game Changer for Overnight Travel Between Guwahati and Kolkata

Indian Railways is set to redefine long-distance rail travel with the introduction of the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train. Scheduled to begin operations in January 2026, this train will connect Kamakhya (Guwahati, Assam) to Howrah (Kolkata, West Bengal), offering passengers a modern, comfortable, and faster overnight travel experience. The service is expected to be inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a historic milestone in India’s semi-high-speed rail network.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper has been designed for long-distance journeys of more than 1,000 kilometres. | Hindustan Times

Faster and More Comfortable Journeys

Covering approximately 966 kilometers, the new sleeper train is designed to complete the journey in around 14–14.5 hours, significantly reducing travel time compared to existing express services such as the Saraighat Express. Unlike the earlier Vande Bharat trains, which primarily cater to daytime passengers with seating-only arrangements, this sleeper variant introduces fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches. These coaches are engineered to provide a restful environment for overnight travelers, combining speed with comfort in a way Indian railways has not offered before.

Modern Coaches and Passenger Amenities

The Vande Bharat Sleeper train consists of 16 air-conditioned coaches including AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and a First AC coach, with a total passenger capacity of 823 berths. Each coach has been designed with ergonomically arranged sleeping berths and improved suspension systems to ensure a smoother ride. Passengers can expect modern conveniences such as spacious tray holders, adjustable reading lights, deep washbasins, and hygienic toilets. Additional safety and comfort features include automatic doors, noise reduction systems, CCTV surveillance, and advanced fire and emergency monitoring systems. Special consideration has also been given to accessibility, with braille labels and other facilities for differently-abled passengers.

Safety and Advanced Technology

Safety has been a central focus in the development of the Vande Bharat Sleeper. The train incorporates the KAVACH anti-collision system, automatic doors, and real-time monitoring systems to ensure a secure journey. It has successfully completed high-speed trials at speeds of up to 180 km/h, under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety. These features reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to combining high-speed travel with advanced technology and passenger safety.

Affordable and Accessible Travel

Despite its modern facilities and higher speed, the Vande Bharat Sleeper has been priced to remain affordable for travelers. Ticket prices for the Guwahati–Howrah route are approximately ₹2,300 for AC 3-tier, ₹3,000 for AC 2-tier, and ₹3,600 for First AC, which is substantially lower than comparable airfare. This pricing strategy ensures that the train offers an economical yet comfortable alternative for those traveling overnight, bridging the gap between convenience and affordability.

Boosting Regional Connectivity

Beyond individual travel, the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to strengthen regional connectivity between Assam, West Bengal, and the northeastern corridor. Faster travel times and enhanced passenger comfort are likely to encourage more people to use rail services for both business and leisure travel. Indian Railways also plans to extend the sleeper Vande Bharat concept to other long-distance routes, further modernizing overnight rail travel across the country.

The MGMM Outlook

The launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Guwahati–Howrah route marks a transformative moment for long-distance rail travel. Covering nearly 966 kilometers in just 14–14.5 hours, the train combines the speed of semi-high-speed rail with the comfort of fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches. Unlike earlier Vande Bharat services designed for daytime travel, this overnight variant provides ergonomically arranged berths, advanced suspension systems, and modern passenger amenities such as adjustable reading lights, spacious trays, hygienic washrooms, and facilities for differently-abled travelers. The emphasis on safety and technology is evident through the integration of the KAVACH anti-collision system, CCTV surveillance, automatic doors, and real-time monitoring, ensuring a secure and smooth journey even at high speeds.

Beyond passenger convenience, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is set to boost regional connectivity between Assam, West Bengal, and the northeastern corridor, offering an efficient alternative to air travel at a fraction of the cost. Affordable ticket pricing for AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and First AC berths ensures that modern, high-speed overnight travel is accessible to a wider population. By bridging comfort, technology, and economic travel, this new service is likely to encourage more travelers to choose rail for both business and leisure journeys. The Guwahati–Howrah sleeper Vande Bharat represents a significant stride in India’s railway modernization, setting a strong precedent for the expansion of similar overnight services on other long-distance routes across the country.

(Sources: LiveMint, Hindustan Times, NDTV)