Archive · 3 Jan 2026
India's First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
India is getting its first Vande Bharat sleeper train, which will run between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in Kolkata.
This train is special because it has modern berths, improved interiors, and enhanced safety features for long-distance travel.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch it soon, around January 17-18.
The train will offer different types of tickets, with fares around Rs 2,300 for 3AC, Rs 3,000 for 2AC, and Rs 3,600 for First AC.
Assam's Chief Minister is happy about this new train because it will make travel easier and more comfortable for people going between Assam and eastern India.
The train is expected to be a big help for passengers and will make Guwahati an even more important rail hub in the region.
The train has 16 coaches and can carry 823 passengers.
It also has special technology to keep it clean and safe, and passengers will get meals on board with Assamese or Bengali food depending on where the train starts.
India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train will operate between Guwahati and Howrah.
The train features modern berths, improved interiors, and enhanced safety features, including disinfectant technology and the Kavach protection system.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to launch the train around January 17-18.
Fares are expected to be competitive, with 3AC at Rs 2,300, 2AC at Rs 3,000, and First AC at Rs 3,600, including meals.
The 16-coach train comprises 11 3AC, 4 2AC, and 1 1AC coaches, with a total capacity of 823 passengers.
- Who
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Northeast Frontier Railway officials, Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
- What
- Launch of India's first Vande Bharat sleeper train
- When
- Expected launch on January 17-18
- Where
- Route between Guwahati and Howrah
- Why
- To enhance long-distance rail connectivity and passenger comfort
- Route
- Guwahati to Howrah
- Expected Launch Date
- January 17-18
- 3AC Fare
- Rs 2,300 (including food)
- 2AC Fare
- Rs 3,000
- First AC Fare
- Rs 3,600
- Coaches
- 16 (11 3AC, 4 2AC, 1 1AC)
- Passenger Capacity
- 823 (611 3AC, 188 2AC, 24 1AC)
- Catering
- Assamese cuisine from Guwahati, Bengali from Kolkata
Sources
First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Between Guwahati, Howrah
Vande Bharat Sleeper: A new era for India’s long-distance rail travel
From coaches to washrooms: Inside look of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
In Photos | First look of Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train
All states, including Kerala, to get Vande Bharat Sleeper trains: Ashwini Vaishnaw
Railway Minister Vaishnaw inspects newly-designed first-ever Vande Bharat sleeper train
