Indian Railways is poised to usher in a new era of long-distance travel with the imminent launch of its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service, connecting Howrah in Kolkata with Guwahati in Assam. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off this landmark service within the next 17-18 days, setting a firm launch deadline of January 18.
Route, Schedule, and Operational Details
The semi-high-speed train, boasting a design speed of up to 180 kmph, will operate between Howrah and Guwahati's Kamakhya station. Two full rakes, each comprising 16 coaches, will be deployed on this route, significantly enhancing connectivity across Eastern India. The service will be maintained and operated by the Eastern Railway zone.
While the precise timetable is yet to be officially released, Minister Vaishnaw indicated that the train will be an evening departure from its originating station, catering to overnight travel preferences. The journey will include halts at eight key stations: Bandel, Katwa, New Farakka, Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri, New Coochbehar, and New Bongaigaon.
Passenger Comfort and Inclusive Pricing
Engineered by BEML using ICF (Integral Coach Factory) technology, this train is designed for a comfortable long-haul experience. It will feature three classes of air-conditioned sleeper accommodation: Third AC, Second AC, and First AC.
In a significant passenger-friendly move, the Railway Minister has clarified that the fare will be static and not dynamic, meaning prices will not fluctuate based on demand. The all-inclusive fare for the Howrah-Guwahati journey (and vice-versa) has been fixed at Rs 2,300 for Third AC, Rs 3,000 for Second AC, and Rs 3,600 for First AC. This fare also includes the cost of meals, removing the hassle of additional food payments.
Culinary Experience and Capacity
Adding a unique regional flavour to the journey, the catering menu will celebrate local cuisine. Passengers travelling from Guwahati to Howrah will be served Assamese dishes, while those on the Howrah to Guwahati route will enjoy Bengali food. This initiative aims to enhance the cultural experience of the journey.
With a total capacity to accommodate 823 passengers per trip, this new service is expected to meet the high demand on one of the key corridors in the region. The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper variant marks a major upgrade in India's rail infrastructure, promising faster, more comfortable, and feature-rich travel for the millions who rely on the railways.
The launch is highly anticipated as it represents the next step in the evolution of the Vande Bharat series, extending its benefits from daytime chair-car travel to overnight sleeper journeys, a staple of Indian long-distance rail travel.
