Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Set to Transform Indian Rail Travel
Indian Railways prepares to launch its first Vande Bharat sleeper train. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the inaugural service on January 17, 2026. This marks a significant upgrade in overnight train travel across India.
Route and Schedule Details
The new train will operate between Kamakhya in Guwahati and Howrah. It promises the fastest air-conditioned journey on this route. Train number 27575 will depart Howrah at 6:20 PM, reaching Kamakhya at 8:20 AM the next day. The return service, train 27576, leaves Kamakhya at 6:15 PM, arriving in Howrah at 8:15 AM.
Multiple stations will see stops along the way. These include Rangiya, New Bongaigaon, New Alipurduar, and New Cooch Behar. Other stops are New Jalpaiguri, Aluabari Road, Malda Town, and New Farakka Junction. The train will also halt at Azimganj, Katwa Junction, Nabadwip Dham, and Bandel Junction.
Enhanced Passenger Comfort and Capacity
The Vande Bharat sleeper features sixteen air-conditioned coaches. Eleven coaches offer AC-3 tier accommodation. Four coaches provide AC-2 tier seating. One First AC coach completes the configuration. Total passenger capacity reaches 823 travelers.
Berths receive special attention with improved cushioning. They meet global standards for overnight comfort. Redesigned ladders make upper berth access easier for passengers.
Modern Amenities and Safety Features
Passengers will enjoy numerous amenities during their journey. The train includes soft night lighting and personalized reading lights. Charging points and foldable snack tables add convenience. Sealed gangways and automatic doors maintain consistent air quality.
Safety remains a top priority. The indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system comes installed. Regenerative braking improves energy efficiency. CCTV cameras monitor all coaches for enhanced security.
Advanced Sanitation and Special Facilities
Toilets feature modern bio-vacuum technology similar to aircraft. Modular fittings ensure easy maintenance. One toilet offers wheelchair access for divyangjan passengers. Advanced disinfectant systems maintain high sanitation levels.
The First AC coach includes a shower cubicle. A centralized monitoring system allows constant coach supervision. Emergency communication enables direct contact with the loco pilot.
Operational Efficiency and Speed
Automatic doors operate from the locomotive cab. Driving cabins at both ends eliminate turnaround delays. The train achieves a design speed of 180 kmph. Operational speed reaches 160 kmph depending on route conditions.
Successful tests demonstrated stability at high speeds. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a water test video. Glasses remained perfectly balanced without spilling during trials.
Fare Structure for Different Routes
Fares vary based on distance and coach class. AC-3 tier travel between Guwahati and Howrah starts at Rs 2,299 plus GST. AC-2 tier costs Rs 2,970 while First AC charges Rs 3,640.
Shorter routes offer reduced pricing. Howrah to New Jalpaiguri begins at Rs 1,334. Howrah to Malda Town starts at Rs 960. From Kamakhya, Malda Town travel costs Rs 1,522 for AC-3 tier. AC-2 tier charges Rs 1,965 and First AC costs Rs 2,409.
Kamakhya to New Jalpaiguri fares are Rs 962 for AC-3 tier. AC-2 tier costs Rs 1,243 while First AC charges Rs 1,524.
Setting New Standards in Rail Travel
The Vande Bharat sleeper train represents a major leap forward. It combines speed with comfort for overnight journeys. Passenger-friendly features surpass those found on Rajdhani Express trains. Indian Railways continues its modernization drive with this launch.
Travelers can expect world-class amenities throughout their journey. The train aims to redefine long-distance rail travel in India. All eyes turn to January 17 for this historic flag-off ceremony.
