In a landmark development for Indian Railways, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate the country's first Vande Bharat sleeper train. The new service will connect Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal, with Guwahati, the largest city in Assam.
A Virtual Launch for a Transformative Service
Prime Minister Modi will flag off the train virtually on March 12, 2025. This launch is part of a series of inaugurations for several railway projects across the nation. The introduction of the sleeper variant of the popular Vande Bharat trains marks a significant expansion of this indigenous train series, moving beyond the current chair-car models to offer long-distance overnight travel comfort.
Boosting Connectivity to the Northeast
The choice of the Kolkata-Guwahati route is strategically important. It signifies a major push to enhance rail infrastructure and connectivity to the Northeastern states of India. This modern train is expected to drastically reduce travel time between these two key eastern cities, providing a faster, smoother, and more comfortable journey compared to existing overnight services.
The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train is designed with enhanced passenger amenities. While specific details of the interior for this route are awaited, the sleeper coaches are anticipated to feature:
- Modern, ergonomic berths.
- Improved sound and vibration insulation for better sleep.
- Advanced safety systems.
- LED lighting and aesthetically designed interiors.
A Step Towards Modernizing Long-Distance Travel
This launch represents a critical step in the government's mission to modernize India's long-distance rail network. The Vande Bharat sleeper trains are poised to compete with and potentially replace older Rajdhani Express services on key routes, offering a made-in-India alternative with contemporary technology and design.
The focus on the Northeast corridor aligns with national infrastructure goals, aiming to bring the region closer to the rest of the country through cutting-edge transport. The successful deployment of this train on the Kolkata-Guwahati route will likely pave the way for similar sleeper services on other long-distance networks across India, revolutionizing overnight train travel for millions of passengers.
The official flag-off ceremony on March 12 will be a historic moment for Indian Railways, showcasing its evolving capabilities and commitment to passenger-centric innovation.
