New Delhi: India is set to witness a historic milestone in rail travel with the launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Kolkata–Guwahati route. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the state-of-the-art 16-coach train in the coming days, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday in New Delhi.
Designed to accommodate over 800 passengers, the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express promises world-class comfort and advanced features. “The train departing Assam will offer Assamese cuisine, while the one leaving Bengal will serve Bangalore-inspired meals,” Vaishnaw said, highlighting the train’s regional catering options.
The train incorporates a next-generation suspension system to enhance ride quality. According to Vaishnaw, over a year was spent finalizing the bogey design and ensuring superior suspension. The minister also emphasized India’s ambition to export train propulsion systems and bogeys in the future, describing 2026 as a year of railway reforms.
The sleeper train offers an affordable alternative to air travel, with fares considerably lower than flights on the same route. While air tickets between Kolkata and Guwahati range from Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000, fares on the train are set at Rs 2,300 for third AC, Rs 3,000 for second AC, and Rs 3,600 for first AC.
Key Features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train:
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16 coaches accommodating 823 passengers
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Design speed of up to 180 kmph
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Newly designed berths and ladders
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Automatic doors
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Enhanced ride comfort surpassing global standards
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Air disinfectant technology similar to chair car
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Advanced air conditioning system
With this launch, India moves closer to modernizing its railway network and offering passengers a travel experience comparable to the best in the world, while keeping fares accessible for a wide range of travellers.
