West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya announced on Monday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the first Vande Bharat sleeper train connecting Guwahati and Kolkata on January 17. This move promises to greatly improve connectivity in North Bengal.
Major Boost for North Bengal
Bhattacharya emphasized that West Bengal, particularly North Bengal, will receive a significant boost early this year with the launch of the Vande Bharat sleeper service between Kolkata and Kamakhya starting January 17. The Rajya Sabha MP also revealed that the Prime Minister will flag off the Amrit Bharat Express from Malda to Kamakhya on the same day before addressing a public meeting.
Direct Connectivity Between Regions
The new rail link establishes direct connectivity between South Bengal and key North Bengal towns including Balurghat, Raiganj, Alipurduar and Malda. This fulfills a long-standing demand from residents of the region.
Bhattacharya highlighted healthcare concerns in North Bengal, where geographical constraints often force patients to undertake long and expensive journeys for treatment. The new rail connectivity will significantly ease access to healthcare, employment opportunities and travel for ordinary and marginalized people.
Train Specifications and Capacity
According to an official release, the new-generation train will operate with a 16-coach rake having a total passenger capacity of 823. The composition includes:
- 11 AC 3-Tier coaches
- 4 AC 2-Tier coaches
- 1 First Class AC coach
This configuration offers comfortable travel options across different passenger segments.
Fare Structure Details
Railway officials have announced the following fare breakdown:
From Howrah:
- First AC (1AC): ₹3,640 to Kamakhya, ₹2,113 to New Jalpaiguri, ₹1,520 to Malda Town
- Second AC (2AC): ₹2,970 to Kamakhya, ₹1,724 to New Jalpaiguri, ₹1,240 to Malda Town
- Third AC (3AC): ₹2,299 to Kamakhya, ₹1,334 to New Jalpaiguri, ₹960 to Malda Town
Between Kamakhya and Malda Town:
- First AC: ₹2,409
- Second AC: ₹1,965
- Third AC: ₹1,522
Between Kamakhya and New Jalpaiguri:
- First AC: ₹1,524
- Second AC: ₹1,243
- Third AC: ₹962
Enhanced Passenger Comfort Features
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Express has been designed with a strong focus on passenger comfort. Key features include:
- Ergonomically cushioned berths
- Advanced suspension systems for a smoother ride
- Noise reduction technology
- Automatic doors with vestibules
- Modern Passenger Information System
Additional amenities comprise accessible facilities for Divyangjan passengers, contemporary toilets, and advanced disinfectant systems to improve hygiene and overall onboard comfort.
Advanced Safety Systems
Safety remains a defining hallmark of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express. The train will be equipped with:
- The Kavach automatic train protection system
- Emergency passenger talk-back units
- State-of-the-art driver cab with advanced controls
Regional Impact and Benefits
The introduction of this service is expected to significantly boost connectivity between Assam and West Bengal. Key beneficiary districts include:
- Assam: Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon
- West Bengal: Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah
The service will support regional mobility while promoting trade, tourism and socio-economic development across these areas.
The commencement of India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express Train reaffirms Indian Railways' commitment to innovation and passenger-centric services. This development represents a significant step toward creating a modern, future-ready railway network for the nation.
