India is set to enter a new phase of long-distance rail travel with the launch of its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, which will operate between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to flag off the train during his visit to Malda, West Bengal, on 17 January, marking a major milestone in Indian Railways’ modernisation drive.
Designed specifically for overnight journeys, the fully air-conditioned Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to offer an airline-like travel experience at affordable fares. The train is expected to reduce travel time on the Howrah-Guwahati corridor by around 2.5 to 3 hours compared to existing services, significantly improving connectivity between eastern and north-eastern India and giving a boost to tourism, trade and religious travel.
The 16-coach train has a total capacity of 823 passengers and is capable of operating at speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour. Passenger comfort has been a central focus, with ergonomically designed sleeping berths, advanced suspension systems to minimise vibrations, automatic doors with vestibules, and ample luggage space including overhead racks, under-berth storage and dedicated suitcase areas.
Cleanliness and safety standards have also been upgraded. The train features ultra-modern toilets with advanced sanitation and disinfectant technology, Divyangjan-friendly facilities, modular pantries, and CCTV surveillance across all coaches. Safety systems include the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system, enhanced fire safety mechanisms, and an emergency talk-back system that allows passengers to directly contact train staff when needed.
Catering on board will reflect regional tastes, with Assamese cuisine served on services originating from Guwahati and traditional Bengali dishes on trains starting from Kolkata. Indicative fares are expected to be around Rs 2300 for 3 AC, Rs 3000 for 2 AC and Rs 3600 for First AC, positioning the service as a premium yet cost-effective alternative to air travel.
According to Indian Railways, districts across West Bengal and Assam including Malda, Jalpaiguri, Cooch Behar, Howrah and Kamrup Metropolitan will directly benefit from the new service. Officials say the Vande Bharat Sleeper represents a shift towards faster, safer and more passenger-centric overnight rail travel, setting a new benchmark for long-distance journeys in the country.
