On January 1, 2026, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw officially announced that India’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train will debut on the Guwahati–Kolkata (Howrah) route. Following successful high-speed trials where the train clocked 180 kmph, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the service between January 17 and January 19, 2026.
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This launch marks a significant shift in Indian Railways’ strategy, moving the premium Vande Bharat brand from day-trips to long-distance, overnight travel.
1. Fare Structure & Classes
The fares have been positioned to be competitive with air travel, which typically costs between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000 on this route. All Vande Bharat Sleeper fares include catering.
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| Class | Capacity | Estimated Fare (with food) |
| First AC (1AC) | 24 Berths | ₹3,600 |
| Two-Tier AC (2AC) | 188 Berths | ₹3,000 |
| Three-Tier AC (3AC) | 611 Berths | ₹2,300 |
| Total Capacity | 823 Passengers | — |
2. Route & Key Stoppages
The train will connect the capital of Assam with the cultural hub of West Bengal, benefiting several districts along the way.
Origin/Destination: Guwahati (GHY) to Howrah (HWH).
Major Stoppages: Bandel, Katwa, Azimganj, Malda Town, New Farakka, New Jalpaiguri (NJP), New Cooch Behar, and New Bongaigaon.
Schedule: Designed for overnight travel—departing in the evening and arriving early the next morning.
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3. Revolutionary Design & Safety Features
The sleeper variant introduces several “firsts” for Indian rail passengers:
Enhanced Comfort: Ergonomically designed berths with superior cushioning, extra head-room, and a redesigned ladder for upper berths.
Hot Shower Facility: Exclusively available for First AC passengers—a first for Indian Railways.
Safety Systems: Fully integrated with Kavach (Anti-collision system), aerosol-based fire suppression, and emergency talk-back units.
Ride Quality: Features an advanced suspension system and specialized noise-reduction insulation to ensure a quiet, jerk-free sleep.
Hygiene: Equipped with disinfectant technology in the air conditioning and anti-spill, odor-controlled bio-vacuum toilets.
4. Cultural Touch: Regional Cuisine
To enhance the travel experience, the onboard menu will be route-specific:
From Guwahati: Passengers will be served authentic Assamese cuisine.
From Kolkata: The menu will feature traditional Bengali delicacies.
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