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India is set to revolutionize overnight rail travel with the launch of its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Kolkata (Howrah)-Guwahati route.

Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced the development on January 1, 2026, emphasizing affordable pricing targeted at middle-class passengers.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the service later this month, marking a milestone in Indian Railways’ push for modern, high-speed long-distance trains.

Launch Timeline And Route Details

The train will operate between Howrah (Kolkata) and Guwahati, covering approximately 1,000 km overnight.

Vaishnaw indicated the service could begin within 15-20 days, following successful trials where the train achieved speeds of up to 180 kmph.

This route was chosen as the debut for the sleeper variant due to high demand for comfortable overnight options in the Northeast.

More sleeper trains are planned for other long-distance corridors (1,200-1,500 km) by year-end.

Middle-Class Focused Fares

Vaishnaw highlighted that fares are “substantially lower than air travel” and designed with the middle class in mind.

Air tickets on this route often range from ₹6,000-₹10,000, while the Vande Bharat Sleeper offers a premium experience at a fraction of the cost.

Indicative One Way Fares (including meals, no dynamic pricing):

AC 3-Tier: ₹2,300
AC 2-Tier: ₹3,000
AC 1st Class: ₹3,600

These fixed rates make high-quality sleeper travel accessible, potentially shifting passengers from flights to rails for overnight journeys.

Modern Features And Comfort

The 16-coach train includes 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and 1 AC 1st-class coaches, accommodating 823 berths.

It boasts advanced amenities superior to traditional trains like the Rajdhani Express:

Automatic doors
Improved berth design
Enhanced safety features
Better lighting and sanitation

Built indigenously by BEML and Integral Coach Factory, it represents India’s growing self-reliance in rail manufacturing.

Why This Matters

This launch aligns with the government’s focus on Northeast connectivity, offering faster and more comfortable travel than conventional sleeper trains.

For middle-class families, business travelers, and tourists, it provides a viable alternative to expensive flights, saving time on airport hassles while delivering premium comfort overnight.

As more units roll out, Vande Bharat Sleeper could transform long-distance rail travel across India, boosting tourism and economic ties between regions.