Prime Minister flags off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, redefining overnight rail travel

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, marking a major milestone in the country’s rail modernisation drive. Designed to offer aircraft-like comfort at a much lower cost, the new premium sleeper service aims to transform long-distance and overnight rail travel.

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route under the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone. Railway officials said the service is expected to significantly reduce travel time on the busy corridor and provide a comfortable alternative to conventional long-distance trains.

The route is also seen as crucial for boosting religious tourism and overall connectivity to the northeastern states.

Unlike existing Vande Bharat chair car services, the sleeper version has been specifically designed for night travel. The train features ergonomically designed berths, passenger-friendly ladders for easy access to upper berths, and modern toilets with improved hygiene standards. Safety has been prioritised with centrally monitored CCTV surveillance and advanced onboard systems.

Manufactured entirely in India, the 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has a total passenger capacity of 823. The rake includes 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches, and one First AC coach, catering to different passenger segments.

Although the train has been built to achieve a top speed of 180 kmph, it is expected to operate at an average speed of around 120–130 kmph on this route, in line with existing track conditions.

Ticket pricing has been positioned competitively. The fare for AC three-tier is expected to be around ₹2,300, AC two-tier approximately ₹3,000, and First AC about ₹3,600 for the Howrah–Kamakhya journey. Officials said the pricing aims to attract passengers who seek premium comfort without the high cost of air travel.

In a first for Indian Railways’ sleeper services, meals will be included in the ticket price. Passengers travelling from Kamakhya to Howrah will be served Assamese cuisine, while those on the return journey can enjoy Bengali dishes, offering a regional culinary experience onboard.

With features such as automatic sliding doors, full air-conditioning, enhanced cleanliness and improved safety, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to set a new benchmark for long-distance rail travel in India.

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