New Delhi: Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of overnight travel with the launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper, and West Bengal will host the country’s first service. The state-of-the-art sleeper train will operate on the Guwahati–Kolkata (Howrah) route and will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking a major milestone in India’s rail modernisation drive.
The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper is packed with next-generation features designed to deliver a premium travel experience. Passengers can look forward to ergonomic sleeper berths, automatic sliding doors, modern bio-toilets, advanced fire safety systems, round-the-clock security surveillance, digital passenger information displays, and superior suspension technology that ensures a smooth and stable ride.
Engineered specifically for long-distance journeys of over 1,000 kilometres, the Vande Bharat Sleeper promises faster, safer, and far more comfortable night travel. On the Guwahati–Howrah sector, fares are expected to be approximately ₹2,300 for Third AC, ₹3,000 for Second AC, and ₹3,600 for First AC. With airfares on this route often crossing ₹6,000, the new sleeper train is being positioned as a smart and economical alternative to flying, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has said.
The train has already proven its mettle during successful trial runs. In tests conducted on the Kota–Nagda section in Rajasthan, the Vande Bharat Sleeper touched speeds of up to 180 kmph. A video shared by the Railway Minister on social media showcased the train’s exceptional stability, with water in glasses remaining perfectly still even at top speeds—a striking demonstration of its advanced engineering.
With speed, safety, comfort, and affordability rolled into one, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is poised to transform long-distance rail travel in India.
