Archive · 12 Jan 2026
India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Launch
India is introducing its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train, which will travel between Howrah and Guwahati.
This new train is a big step forward for long-distance travel by train.
The Ministry of Railways announced that it will start running later this month.
The train will help people travel more easily between eastern India and the Northeast.
It's an exciting development for train travel in India.
The train will have special features like ergonomically designed berths, advanced safety systems, and it will reduce travel time by three hours compared to existing trains.
The fares are slightly higher than other premium trains but include modern amenities and comfort.
The train will not have VIP or emergency quotas, and only confirmed tickets will be issued.
Passengers will enjoy local cuisine and upgraded bedrolls.
India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train to launch later this month on the Howrah-Guwahati route.
The train will run between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya), improving connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast.
No provision for Reservation Against Cancellation (RAC) tickets or VIP quota; only confirmed tickets will be issued.
Fares are Rs. 2.4 per km for 3AC, Rs. 3.1 per km for 2AC, and Rs. 3.8 per km for 1AC, with a minimum fare equivalent to a 400 km distance.
The train will reduce travel time to 14 hours, covering 10 stops across 9 districts in West Bengal and 2 districts in Assam.
- Who
- Indian Railways
- What
- Launch of India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train
- When
- Later this month
- Where
- Route between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya)
- Why
- To improve connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast
- Route
- Howrah to Guwahati (Kamakhya)
- Type
- Sleeper Train
- Operator
- Indian Railways
- Launch Timing
- Later this month
- Fare Structure
- Rs. 2.4 per km (3AC), Rs. 3.1 per km (2AC), Rs. 3.8 per km (1AC)
- Minimum Fare
- Rs. 960 (3AC), Rs. 1240 (2AC), Rs. 1520 (1AC) for 400 km
- Travel Time
- 14 hours
- Stops
- 10 stops across 9 districts in West Bengal and 2 districts in Assam
- Coaches
- 16 coaches (11 3AC, 4 2AC, 1 1AC)
- Berths
- 823 berths (611 in 3AC, 188 in 2AC, 24 in 1AC)
- Speed
- Up to 130 kmph for this service
- Features
- Ergonomically designed berths, automatic doors, Kavach safety system, emergency talk-back system, disinfectant technology
- Ticketing
- Only confirmed tickets, no RAC or VIP quota
- Amenities
- Upgraded bedrolls, local cuisine, uniformed staff
Sources
Howrah–Guwahati to Get India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train; Check Route, Speed and More
Howrah to Guwahati: Here’s how India’s 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train could transform travel experience
‘No RAC, minimum fare equivalent to 400 km’: Railway Board notifies the fare structure of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains
Vande Bharat Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains Set to Launch: No RAC, Higher Fares
Pricier than Rajdhani? Check full fare list for Vande Bharat sleeper launching in January
No VIP Quota, Local Cuisine: Inside India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
Planning a trip on Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train? Here’s how much luggage you can carry
