India's railway network prepares for a historic moment this Saturday. The country's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will officially launch on January 17, 2026. West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya confirmed the date during a press conference on Monday.
A New Era for Overnight Rail Travel
This launch represents a significant expansion of the Vande Bharat series. Until now, these trains focused on short-distance daytime services. The sleeper variant changes that completely. It marks a major leap forward for long-distance rail strategy in India.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the train from Malda in West Bengal. The move promises to dramatically boost connectivity in North Bengal. Regional economies and tourism sectors stand to gain substantially from this improved rail link.
Key Details About the Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express
The inaugural service will connect Howrah Junction in West Bengal with Kamakhya Junction in Guwahati, Assam. This premium train covers approximately 968 kilometers. It reduces travel time between eastern India and the Northeast to about 14 hours.
Train numbers 27575 and 27576 will operate six days weekly. Each direction will have one weekly holiday. The train consists of 16 coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers.
Modern Amenities and Safety Features
Unlike chair-car Vande Bharat trains designed for shorter journeys, this sleeper variant focuses on overnight comfort. All coaches are fully air-conditioned. They feature ergonomic sleeping berths and improved suspension systems for a smoother ride.
Safety receives top priority with the inclusion of Kavach, an automatic train protection system. Automatic doors and emergency communication systems further enhance passenger security throughout the journey.
A Make in India Success Story
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train embodies India's domestic manufacturing initiative. Bharat Earth Movers Limited and the Integral Coach Factory developed and assembled all prime components within the country.
While designed for speeds up to 180 km/h, the train will operate at around 130 km/h. Indian Railways plans to produce multiple Vande Bharat Sleeper trains in coming years to expand this service nationwide.
Service Classes and Fare Structure
Passengers can choose from three air-conditioned classes:
- AC 3-Tier: INR 960
- AC 2-Tier: INR 1,240
- AC First Class: INR 1,520
The train will offer region-specific catering, adding local flavor to the travel experience. This attention to detail aims to make the journey memorable for every passenger.
Transforming India's Transportation Landscape
The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express represents more than just another train service. It signals India's commitment to modernizing its rail infrastructure while prioritizing passenger comfort. This flagship overnight service could redefine long-distance travel for millions of Indians.
With reduced travel times, enhanced safety features, and domestic manufacturing, the train showcases multiple achievements simultaneously. As January 17 approaches, anticipation builds for what many consider a transformative moment in Indian transportation history.
