Big boost for Northeast travellers! Indian Railways is launching the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train in January 2026, with the inaugural service on the Guwahati-Howrah (Kolkata) route. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off this modern overnight train soon. This marks a major upgrade in long-distance rail travel, offering faster, safer and more comfortable journeys between Assam and West Bengal.
Know Complete Details of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch 2026
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on January 1:
- First Route: Guwahati (Assam) to Howrah (Kolkata, West Bengal).
- Launch: Second half of January 2026 (exact date soon).
- Train Composition: 16 fully air-conditioned coaches – 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, 1 AC First Class.
- Passenger Capacity: 823 per train.
- Speed: Design speed 180 kmph (operational 120-130 kmph on this route).
- Stops: Bandel, Katwa, New Farakka, Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri, New Coochbehar, New Bongaigaon.
Benefits districts in Assam (Kamrup Metropolitan, Bongaigaon) and West Bengal (Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, Howrah).
New Features – Better Than Rajdhani Express
Vande Bharat Sleeper brings world-class comfort:
- Ergonomically designed berths with better cushioning.
- Automatic doors and vestibules for easy movement.
- Superior suspension – smoother ride, less noise.
- Kavach anti-collision system.
- CCTV, emergency talk-back, fire detection.
- Regional food: Assamese cuisine from Guwahati, Bengali from Kolkata.
Self-propelled – faster acceleration, shorter travel time than traditional trains.
Ticket Fares – Affordable for Middle Class
One-way fares (including meals):
- AC 3-tier: ₹2,300
- AC 2-tier: ₹3,000
- AC First Class: ₹3,600
Much cheaper than flights (₹6,000-8,000 on same route).
Future Plans – More Trains in 2026
- 8 more sleeper trains in next 6 months.
- Total 12 trains by December 2026.
- Long-term: Over 200 Vande Bharat Sleeper sets.
- Routes: 1,000-1,500 km overnight services.
Part of Purvodaya policy for East and Northeast development.
How It Affects You – Big Benefits for Northeast Connectivity
- Faster overnight travel – save time vs current trains.
- Comfortable sleep – ideal for families, tourists, professionals.
- Boost tourism & business between Assam and Bengal.
- Safer, modern alternative to old Rajdhani/Mail Express.
- Tip: Book early via IRCTC once dates open.
This launch starts a new era in Indian Railways passenger reforms!
Excited for Vande Bharat Sleeper on Guwahati-Kolkata? Planning to travel soon? Comment below and share your views!
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