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.
Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source
Also Read | Delhi Shivers: Coldest New Year’s Eve in 6 Years!
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.
Also Read | Delhi Shivers: Coldest New Year’s Eve in 6 Years!
| 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.
Also Read | Delhi Shivers: Coldest New Year’s Eve in 6 Years!
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.
Also Read | Delhi Shivers: Coldest New Year’s Eve in 6 Years!
Add businessleague.in as a Preferred Source
We have taken all measures to ensure that the information provided in this article and on our social media platform is credible, verified and sourced from other Big media Houses. For any feedback or complaint, reach out to us at businessleaguein@gmail.com
