PM Modi to Launch India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Kolkata and Guwahati

Main Article
Fri, Jan 02, 02:05 AM IST

Kolkata is set to make history once again as Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to flag off India’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Kolkata–Guwahati route. The landmark launch marks a major step forward in India’s long-distance rail travel, particularly for overnight journeys connecting Eastern and Northeast India.

 

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the train has completed testing and certification and is expected to become operational within the next 15–20 days, likely around January 17–19, 2026.

 

A Game-Changer for Long-Distance Travel

 

The Kolkata–Guwahati corridor is among the busiest routes connecting Eastern India with the Northeast. Currently, airfares on this route typically range between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000, making travel expensive for many passengers. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train aims to offer a comfortable, faster, and significantly more affordable alternative, especially for middle-class travellers.

 

Expected Fares (Including Food)

 

  • 3rd AC: ~₹2,300
  • 2nd AC: ~₹3,000
  • 1st AC: ~₹3,600

 

These fares have been designed to balance affordability with premium comfort, making overnight train travel both economical and aspirational.

 

Train Configuration & Capacity

 

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will feature:

 

  • 16 coaches in total
  • 11 AC 3 Tier
  • 4 AC 2 Tier
  • 1 AC First Class

 

  • Passenger capacity: 823
  • Designed for long-distance overnight routes of 1,200–1,500 km

 

Advanced Technology & Passenger Comfort

 

The sleeper version of Vande Bharat brings a significant upgrade in comfort and safety, including:

 

  • New-generation suspension system for high ride stability
  • KAVACH safety system, CCTV surveillance, sealed gangways and automatic doors
  • Regenerative braking and centralised coach monitoring
  • Fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches
  • Cushioned berths with improved upper-berth accessibility
  • Soft night lighting with visual information systems
  • Personal reading lights, charging points and foldable snack tables
  • Bio-vacuum toilets, disabled-friendly facilities and a dedicated baby care area
  • Hot-water shower facility in First AC

 

Manufacturing & National Rollout Plan

 

The trainsets have been manufactured by BEML, with:

 

  • 2 sleeper Vande Bharat trainsets are already ready
  • 8 additional trainsets scheduled for rollout within the next six months
  • The fleet is expected to reach 12 trains by the end of the year
  • A long-term vision to introduce 200+ Vande Bharat Sleeper trains across India

 

Future manufacturing will also involve ICF, Kinet Railway Solutions (JV), and Titagarh Rail Systems, in collaboration with BHEL.

 

Kolkata at the Heart of India’s Rail Transformation

 

With this launch, Kolkata once again stands at the centre of India’s infrastructure and connectivity growth, strengthening ties between Eastern India and the Northeast while redefining overnight rail travel for millions of passengers.

 

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train represents a major leap forward for Indian Railways, combining speed, safety, comfort, and affordability, and setting a new benchmark for long-distance travel in India.