Malda: India on Saturday marked a new milestone in rail travel with the launch of its first Vande Bharat sleeper train, an overnight high-speed service connecting Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the inaugural run from Malda Town, while also virtually launching the return Guwahati–Howrah service.
Designed to cater to long-distance night travel, the new sleeper version of the Vande Bharat aims to offer faster connectivity between eastern and northeastern India. The route, which passes through two poll-bound states, is expected to cut travel time by nearly two-and-a-half hours, improving convenience for both regular commuters and tourists.
According to the Prime Minister’s Office, the fully air-conditioned train is built to deliver a premium yet affordable travel experience, combining speed, comfort, and modern safety systems. Officials said the service would also support tourism and pilgrimage traffic along the Howrah–Guwahati corridor.
Modern Design and Passenger Comfort
The train has been engineered for high performance, with a design speed of up to 180 kmph, though it is expected to run at operational speeds of around 120–130 kmph. Passenger berths feature ergonomic layouts and are supported by an advanced suspension system to ensure a smoother journey during overnight travel.
Hygiene has been given special attention, with the coaches equipped with disinfectant technology capable of eliminating most germs. Fresh linen and towels will be provided to all passengers as part of the onboard service.
Enhanced Safety and Automation
Security measures include the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system and continuous onboard surveillance. Automatic sliding doors remain shut during transit and open only at stations, adding an extra layer of safety.
Regional Cuisine on the Menu
In a first for Indian overnight trains, passengers will be served regional cuisine as part of the ticket package. Travellers heading from Kamakhya to Howrah will be offered Assamese dishes, while those on the return journey will be served Bengali food, mirroring the experience of premium airline catering.
Ticket Prices
The Vande Bharat sleeper train offers three classes of travel, with fares ranging from approximately Rs 2,300 to Rs 3,600 for a one-way journey:
-
3AC: Around Rs 2,300
-
2AC: About Rs 3,000
-
1AC: Nearly Rs 3,600
Railway officials said the new service reflects India’s push towards modern, efficient rail infrastructure while keeping long-distance travel accessible and passenger-friendly.
