Prime Minister Narendra Modi officially launched India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on Saturday. He flagged off the service from Howrah to Guwahati in West Bengal's Malda district. This event marks a significant milestone for Indian Railways.
A New Era in Sleeper Train Travel
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is being hailed as the new Rajdhani Express. It sets a higher standard for luxurious, comfortable, and safe travel. Rajdhani trains have enjoyed this reputation since their launch in 1969. The new sleeper service aims to redefine overnight journeys.
Key Features and Benefits
This semi-high-speed train will reduce travel time by approximately 2.5 hours on the Howrah-Guwahati route. It includes advanced safety systems like the Kavach automatic train protection. An emergency talk-back system enhances passenger security.
Other amenities make the journey more pleasant. The train has disinfectant technology for sanitation. It features aerodynamic exteriors and automatic passenger doors. First AC coaches offer showers with hot water. All coaches include GPS-based LED displays and sensor-based doors.
Fare Structure and Stops
Passengers will pay based on distance and class. For the Vande Bharat Sleeper, fares are Rs 2.4 per km for third AC, Rs 3.1 per km for second AC, and Rs 3.8 per km for first AC. Goods and Services Tax applies separately.
On the 958 km Howrah-Guwahati route, a third AC ticket costs Rs 2,299. Second AC is Rs 2,970, and first AC is Rs 3,640. The train will make 10 stops across seven districts in West Bengal and two in Assam. These include Howrah, Malda, Jalpaiguri, and Kamrup metropolitan area.
Additional Railway Projects Launched
During the event, PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for four railway projects in West Bengal. These projects aim to boost infrastructure and connectivity in the region.
- A new rail line between Balurghat and Hili.
- Freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri.
- Upgradation of the Siliguri Loco Shed.
- Modernisation of Vande Bharat train maintenance facilities in Jalpaiguri district.
Virtual Flag-Off of Other Trains
Modi virtually flagged off a second Vande Bharat Sleeper service from Guwahati's Kamakhya Junction to Howrah. He also launched four New Amrit Bharat Express trains. These trains will facilitate worker movement on key routes.
- New Jalpaiguri to Nagercoil.
- New Jalpaiguri to Tiruchirappalli.
- Alipurduar to SMVT Bengaluru.
- Alipurduar to Mumbai (Panvel).
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will operate as overnight services. They will depart in the late evening and arrive in the morning. Each train consists of 16 coaches, with 11 third AC, four second AC, and one first AC coach.
This launch represents a major boost to long-distance rail connectivity in India. It combines modern technology with passenger comfort, aiming to transform train travel experiences nationwide.
