Indian Railways is preparing to add another important milestone to its journey of modernisation. With the introduction of the sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express, long-distance train travel in India is set to become faster, safer and more comfortable for common passengers. Designed to meet the changing expectations of today’s travellers, the Vande Bharat Sleeper aims to make overnight journeys a pleasant experience rather than just a means of reaching a destination. Modern technology, improved safety features and passenger-friendly facilities have been brought together to offer premium comfort at affordable fares.

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal, marking a transformative step in long-distance overnight rail travel in the country. The complete cycle of trials, testing and certification of the train has been successfully concluded. In the month of January, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is set to be flagged off on this route soon. This important corridor connects Eastern and North-Eastern India and is used daily by thousands of passengers, including students, workers, traders and families. The new service is expected to significantly improve connectivity between the two regions and change the way people experience overnight rail travel. With faster speeds and modern design, the Vande Bharat Sleeper will reduce travel time while offering a smooth and comfortable journey. For passengers travelling long distances, this means better rest, improved safety and a more reliable travel option.

The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper on this route reflects Indian Railways’ continued focus on modern, passenger-centric services. It marks a step towards a future where train travel combines speed, comfort and safety, making railways a preferred choice for long-distance journeys across the country.

Passenger Comfort and World-Class Amenities

Designed specifically for long-distance journeys, the Vande Bharat Sleeper places passenger comfort at the core of its design. The train comprises 16 modern coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers, offering a seamless blend of speed, space and comfort.

Its advanced aerodynamic design reduces air resistance, ensuring a stable and smooth ride even at high speeds. Capable of operating at speeds of up to 180 kmph, the train significantly cuts travel time while delivering a quiet and premium travel experience.

Ergonomically designed sleeping berths provide better body support, making overnight journeys more restful. Automatic doors with vestibules between coaches ensure safe and convenient movement within the train. An advanced suspension system further enhances ride quality by minimizing jerks and vibrations, ensuring a calm and fatigue-free journey.

Vande Bharat Sleeper trains also offer ample and well-planned luggage space, with overhead racks and under-berth storage for smaller bags, and dedicated areas near coach entrances for larger suitcases, ensuring uncluttered and comfortable interiors. Designed for long-distance travel, the train features ergonomic sleeper berths, USB charging ports and enhanced security systems. Provisions for Divyangjan-friendly spaces, modular pantries and advanced fire safety systems further add to passenger convenience, delivering a safe, efficient and modern overnight travel experience.

Clean, Hygienic and Health-Friendly Travel

High standards of cleanliness and hygiene have been integrated into the Vande Bharat Sleeper experience. The train is equipped with modern toilets and advanced disinfectant technology, helping maintain superior sanitation levels throughout the journey. This ensures a clean, safe and health-friendly environment, especially crucial for long overnight travel.

Howrah–Guwahati: A Vital Rail Corridor

The Howrah–Guwahati route is among the most significant rail corridors in the country, supporting the daily movement of lakhs of passengers. The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will offer a fast, modern and reliable travel option for passengers of West Bengal and Assam.

Direct benefits will accrue to districts such as Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal, and Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam. The service will be especially beneficial for common passengers, students, professionals, migrant workers, traders and religious pilgrims. Visits to major pilgrimage centres like Kalighat Temple and Kamakhya Devi Temple will become easier, safer and more convenient.

The new Vande Bharat Sleeper on the Howrah–Guwahati route will significantly cut travel time compared to the current fastest service, the Saraighat Express (12345/12346). The Saraighat Express takes around 17 hours to cover the approximately 966 km distance between Howrah and Guwahati/Kamakhya. In contrast, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to complete the same journey in about 14 hours once operational, saving nearly 3 hours on the route. Reduced travel time will also give a boost to regional trade, tourism, employment and social connectivity, strengthening economic and cultural ties across regions.

Affordable Premium Travel

One of the standout features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is its cost-effectiveness compared to air travel. The proposed fares are designed to offer premium comfort at a substantially lower cost than airlines.

The indicative fares are approximately ₹2300 for 3 AC, ₹3000 for 2 AC and ₹3600 for First AC. These fares make the Vande Bharat Sleeper an attractive option that combines affordability with high-quality amenities and services.

Regional Tastes on the Go

Passengers will also enjoy high-quality onboard catering services, making long overnight journeys more relaxed and stress-free. Passengers on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will enjoy region-specific culinary offerings during their journey. Train originating from Guwahati will feature authentic Assamese cuisine, while the train starting from Kolkata will serve traditional Bengali delicacies, ensuring a delightful and culturally rich dining experience on board.

Staff Support, Seamless Operations

The Vande Bharat Sleeper also brings significant improvements for railway staff. For Loco Pilots, the train is equipped with ergonomically designed driver cabins that reduce strain and fatigue during long duty hours, along with dedicated, well-equipped toilets to ensure hygiene and convenience.

For onboard staff such as TTEs and pantry personnel, dedicated cabins and compartments have been provided, along with improved berths and amenities that allow proper rest during duty hours, contributing to better efficiency, alertness and overall service quality.

Safety Powered by Indigenous Technology

Safety remains a top priority. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is equipped with the indigenous Kavach automatic train protection system, which plays a crucial role in preventing collisions and ensuring safe train operations.

The train is also equipped with features such as automatic doors, improved fire safety mechanisms, disinfectant technology and CCTV surveillance in all coaches. An advanced emergency talk-back system enables passengers to directly communicate with the crew in case of emergencies, ensuring prompt assistance. These systems together establish new benchmarks in rail safety, giving passengers complete peace of mind.

Punctuality and Reliability

High-speed capability, advanced train control systems and improved operational efficiency ensure greater punctuality and reliability. Faster acceleration and deceleration reduce dwell time and help maintain strict time schedules, making long-distance overnight travel more predictable and dependable.

The Future of Rail Travel

The Vande Bharat Sleeper redefines overnight rail travel with a modern, passenger-centric design. Ergonomically designed seats and berths ensure enhanced comfort during long journeys, while smarter luggage arrangements, region-specific onboard cuisine, and improved facilities for onboard staff and Loco Pilots help reduce fatigue and ensure seamless service. Together, these features embody a future-ready vision of rail travel, where thoughtful design, advanced technology, and operational efficiency combine to elevate the overall travel experience.

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Dharmendra Tewari/ Dr. Nayan Solanki/ Ritu Raj

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