Indian Railways is preparing to launch its first Vande Bharat sleeper train a major upgrade in long-distance rail travel connecting Guwahati in Assam with Kolkata (Howrah) in West Bengal. The service is expected to be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in mid-to-late January 2026, offering overnight comfort and faster travel for passengers across eastern and northeastern India.
Quick Highlights
- First-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train inspected
- Designed for long-distance overnight travel
- Faster, safer, and more comfortable than conventional trains
- Launch expected soon after final approvals
- A major step in Indian Railways modernisation
What’s Happening
After successful trials and full certification, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is ready for its first commercial run. Designed as the sleeper variant of the popular Vande Bharat series, this train brings modern technology, comfort-focused features, and advanced safety systems to overnight journeys something Indian Railways has been planning for years.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw formally announced the service and confirmed that the train has completed its testing phase, with all systems cleared for launch.
Who It Affects
- Long-distance travellers between Assam and West Bengal
- Business passengers, families, and tourists seeking overnight comfort
FlipMyTravel users looking to book smarter multi-mode journeys trains, buses, and flights can all be planned with ease on our platform
This service especially benefits overnight commuters who prefer rail travel over air due to cost, comfort, and reliability.
Where It Will Run
The first route for India’s Vande Bharat sleeper train will be between:
- Guwahati (Kamakhya) in Assam
- Howrah (Kolkata) in West Bengal
The service will pass through major districts including Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam, and Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal.
When It Starts
According to officials, the inaugural run of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected between January 17 and 20, 2026, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will wave the green flag at the launch event.
This timeline puts the service into operation just a few weeks into the new year, giving passengers a modern rail option for early 2026 travel.
Features & Comfort
The new sleeper train brings several improvements over traditional overnight services:
Modern Coaches & Capacity
- 16 air-conditioned coaches
- 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and 1 AC First Class coach
- Around 823 passenger capacity
Performance & Speed
- Designed for semi-high-speed travel
- Trial runs reached up to 180 km/h (operational speeds will be moderated on the actual route)
Safety & Comfort Features
- Ergonomic berths with improved cushioning
- KAVACH automatic train protection system
- CCTV, advanced suspension, and modern washroom technologies
- Region-specific catering – Assamese meals from Guwahati, Bengali meals from Howrah.
These upgrades are designed to offer travellers a restful, secure, and enjoyable overnight journey better than many traditional night trains.
Official Voice – Railway Minister’s Inspection Highlights
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw highlighted that the completion of testing and certification represents a significant milestone for the Indian Railways, expanding Vande Bharat services into overnight sleeper travel and modernizing rail connectivity in eastern India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to formally launch the service, aligning with the government’s broader goals of enhancing passenger comfort and boosting regional connectivity via modern railways.
Why This Matters for Indian Railways
The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is important because:
- It upgrades traditional overnight train travel
- It supports India’s growing mobility needs
- It strengthens railways as a preferred alternative to flights
- It aligns with the government’s vision of faster, safer transport
- This train is expected to redefine how Indians experience long-distance rail journeys.
Highlights – Quick Facts
First Vande Bharat sleeper train launch scheduled for mid-January 2026.
- Route: Guwahati ↔ Howrah (Kolkata).
- 16 AC coaches (823 passengers) with ergonomic berths.
- Designed for semi-high-speed overnight travel.
- Regional meals and modern amenities onboard.
Activities – What’s Next
Final Launch Preparations
Officials will finalize the launch date and schedule, confirm exact station stops, and release timetables for public booking.
Ticketing & Reservations
Platforms like IRCTC and FlipMyTravel will open booking windows through our partnering network once railways publish the official timetable.
Passenger Awareness
Railways and travel partners will share information about fares, onboard services, and safety features across digital and station networks.
India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to begin operations in mid-January 2026 between Guwahati and Howrah (Kolkata). The service, with 16 modern AC coaches and advanced safety systems, aims to redefine overnight rail travel with ergonomic berths, regional food options, and high-quality comfort. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the train.
Travel Experience Insight (FlipMyTravel Perspective)
At FlipMyTravel, we closely track transport upgrades that improve real travel experiences. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is not just a new train it’s a comfort upgrade for millions of travellers who rely on overnight journeys.
For travellers planning inter-city trips, this train could soon become the preferred option for safe, relaxed, and time-efficient travel. Once routes are announced, FlipMyTravel will help users compare travel options and plan smarter journeys.
