Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of long-distance overnight travel with the announcement of the Kolkata–Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train, the first sleeper version of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat Express. The landmark service will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January, marking a major milestone in India’s rail modernisation drive, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav announced at a press briefing on Thursday.
The testing and certification of the Vande Bharat sleeper train have been successfully completed, clearing the way for its commercial rollout, the Minister informed. The Guwahati–Kolkata (Howrah) route has been selected as the inaugural corridor, connecting eastern India with the Northeast through a modern, high-comfort overnight service.
Highlighting affordability, the Railway Minister said, “The fares have been structured to suit the middle class, especially when compared to air travel between the two cities, which typically costs Rs 6,000 to Rs 8,000.”
According to the proposed fare structure, 3rd AC sleeper tickets are expected to cost around Rs 2,300 including meals, while 2nd AC fares will be approximately Rs 3,000 and 1st AC around Rs 3,600.
Vaishnav noted that the new sleeper Vande Bharat is designed to offer world-class facilities, enhanced safety standards and a modern travel experience, making long-distance night journeys more comfortable and efficient. He described the launch as a significant achievement for Indian Railways, particularly for passengers travelling between the Northeast and the rest of the country.
Adding a regional touch, Indian Railways will also customise onboard services. “Trains originating from Guwahati will serve Assamese cuisine, while those starting from Kolkata will offer Bengali food, reflecting local culinary traditions and enhancing the passenger experience,” Vaishnaw said.
During trial runs on the Kota–Nagda section, the Vande Bharat sleeper train successfully attained its maximum design speed of 180 kmph. One of the key demonstrations during the test highlighted the train’s superior stability, as glasses filled with water remained steady without any spillage, even while running at speeds exceeding 180 kmph.
Sharing details of the trial, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on X wrote that the Commissioner of Railway Safety conducted the test, during which the train operated at 180 kmph on the Kota–Nagda stretch. He added that the water stability demonstration effectively showcased the advanced technological capabilities of the new-generation Vande Bharat sleeper train.
