In an exciting development for Indian Railways, the first Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to launch this month, bringing a new level of comfort to long-distance travel. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the train in the latter half of January 2026. Designed for overnight journeys, this fully air-conditioned sleeper train has already completed successful trial runs and is prepared to operate on routes spanning 1,200 to 1,500 kilometers.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Route Announced
The inaugural Vande Bharat sleeper train will operate between Guwahati and Kolkata, as confirmed by Minister Vaishnaw. Each train set consists of 16 coaches, including 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and 1 AC first-class coach, accommodating a total of 823 passengers. The minister also revealed plans for eight additional sleeper trains to be introduced within the next six months, bringing the total to 12 by the end of the year. This new service will benefit several districts in Assam and West Bengal, including Kamrup Metropolitan, Bongaigaon, Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, and Howrah, significantly enhancing connectivity in the region.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Fares
The fare structure for the Vande Bharat sleeper train has been set, with prices starting at Rs 2,300 for a one-way journey between Guwahati and Kolkata. The pricing details are as follows: AC 3-tier tickets will cost Rs 2,300, AC 2-tier tickets will be priced at Rs 3,000, and AC first-class tickets will be available for Rs 3,600. Minister Vaishnaw recently shared a video on social media showcasing the train’s high-speed trials, where it reached a top speed of 180 km/h. During these tests, the train demonstrated remarkable stability, with water-filled glasses remaining undisturbed even at high speeds.
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Features
The Vande Bharat sleeper train has been specifically designed for overnight and long-distance travel, serving as the sleeping-class counterpart to the existing Vande Bharat chair car services. Currently, two prototype trains have been developed by BEML, with plans for over 200 sleeper trains to be rolled out in the coming years. These sleeper trains are built for semi-high-speed operations, capable of reaching speeds of up to 160 km/h, having successfully conducted trial runs at 180 km/h.
The coaches are inspired by European design standards and feature cushioned berths for enhanced comfort. Additional amenities include soft lighting, public address systems, CCTV cameras, and modular pantry units. The trains will also be equipped with advanced bio-vacuum toilets, facilities for persons with disabilities, and shower options in the first-class coach. Safety features include the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system and regenerative braking for improved energy efficiency. Each coach will have personal reading lights, power charging points, and automated doors at designated stations, ensuring a comfortable and safe travel experience for all passengers.
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