India’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between Kamakhya Station (Guwahati) and Howrah Station (Kolkata), Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday, January 1. The service will be flagged off by Narendra Modi, with the inauguration expected in the second week of January.
The Railway Minister confirmed that trial runs, testing, and certification for the sleeper train have been successfully completed, clearing the way for the launch of the new long-distance premium service.
India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will run between Kamakhya (Guwahati) and Howrah (Kolkata), Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced. Trials at 180 kmph have been completed and certified. The train will run six days a week with fixed fares and region-specific Assamese and Bengali cuisines.
High-speed trials and safety certification
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train recently underwent trials on the Kota–Nagda section, achieving a maximum speed of 180 kmph. During the trials, comprehensive assessments were conducted, including ride stability, braking performance, safety systems, and overall operational reliability.
The trials were declared successful by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), certifying the train for regular passenger operations.
Route coverage and regional benefits
The Kamakhya–Howrah route is expected to benefit multiple districts across Assam and West Bengal.
Districts in Assam:
- Kamrup (Metropolitan)
- Bongaigaon
Districts in West Bengal:
- Coochbehar
- Jalpaiguri
- Maldah
- Murshidabad
- Purba Bardhaman
- Hooghly
- Howrah
Officials said the new service will significantly improve overnight connectivity between the Northeast and eastern India.
Coach composition and passenger capacity
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will consist of 16 coaches, including:
- 11 Three-tier AC coaches
- 4 Two-tier AC coaches
- 1 First Class AC coach
The total passenger capacity is approximately 823 passengers.
Fixed fares with no dynamic pricing
Ashwini Vaishnaw stated that the train will operate six days a week and, for the first time, Indian Railways has introduced fixed fares with no dynamic pricing for this service.
One-way fares:
- 3AC: ₹2,300
- 2AC: ₹3,000
- 1AC: ₹3,600
The per-kilometre rates have been fixed at ₹2.4 (3AC), ₹3.1 (2AC), and ₹3.8 (1AC).
Region-specific onboard cuisine
Passengers will be served region-specific culinary offerings during the journey.
- Trains originating from Kamakhya will feature authentic Assamese cuisine.
- Trains starting from Howrah will serve traditional Bengali delicacies.
Railway officials said the initiative is aimed at offering a culturally rich travel experience.
Overnight travel focus
According to the Railway Minister, the timetable will be designed to support overnight travel, with departures in the evening and arrival at the destination early the next morning, making it suitable for long-distance passengers.
What happens next
The Railways is expected to announce the final timetable and exact flag-off date shortly. With certification completed, operational readiness is now focused on scheduling, crew deployment, and passenger amenities ahead of the official launch.
Frequently Asked Questions
The inauguration is expected in the second week of January, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagging off the service.
No. Indian Railways has introduced fixed fares for this service, with no dynamic pricing across AC classes.
