India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate on the Guwahati – Kolkata (Howrah) route, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday, January 1. He said Narendra Modi will flag off the service, with the inauguration expected within the next 15 – 20 days.
Addressing a press conference, the Railway Minister confirmed that testing and certification for the sleeper version of Vande Bharat have been completed. He added that the exact launch date would be shared within the next two to three days.
India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will run on the Guwahati – Kolkata (Howrah) route, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on January 1. The service will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the inauguration expected within 15 – 20 days. Fares are expected to be lower than air travel.
Faster overnight connectivity for Guwahati
The upcoming service is expected to significantly improve overnight rail connectivity between Assam and West Bengal, offering a faster and more comfortable alternative to conventional long-distance trains. Vaishnaw stated that fares for the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be substantially lower than airfare on the same route.
The Guwahati – Howrah corridor is one of the busiest long-distance routes from the Northeast, making the sleeper variant particularly relevant for passengers seeking time-efficient and comfortable travel.
Successful high-speed trials and certification
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train recently underwent high-speed trials on the Kota–Nagda section, during which it achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph. According to the Railway Ministry, the trials included comprehensive technical evaluations such as:
- Ride stability and oscillation checks
- Vibration behaviour assessment
- Braking and emergency braking performance
- Safety and monitoring system evaluations
The trials were declared successful by the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS), certifying the train’s performance at high speeds.
Demonstration of advanced ride quality
Earlier in the week, Ashwini Vaishnaw shared a video of the trial on social media, highlighting a water-glass stability demonstration. During the test, glasses filled with water remained steady without spillage even at high speed, demonstrating the train’s advanced suspension system and ride quality.
Officials said the demonstration underscored the technological robustness of the new-generation sleeper train.
Key features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
The sleeper variant of Vande Bharat is designed for long-distance travel and includes:
- Comfortable sleeper berths
- Advanced suspension systems
- Automatic doors
- Modern toilets
- Fire detection and safety monitoring systems
- CCTV-based surveillance
- Digital passenger information systems
- Energy-efficient technologies
Why this matters for the Northeast
For Guwahati, the introduction of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks a major upgrade in rail infrastructure and long-distance connectivity. It is expected to reduce travel fatigue, improve safety, and provide a premium yet affordable alternative for passengers travelling between the Northeast and eastern India.
What happens next
The Railway Ministry is expected to announce the official inauguration date shortly. Once flagged off, the Guwahati – Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will become a benchmark service for future long-distance, high-speed sleeper trains in India.
Frequently Asked Questions
The inauguration is expected within 15–20 days, with the exact date to be announced soon by the Railway Ministry.
During trials on the Kota – Nagda section, the train achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph and was certified successful by the Commissioner of Railway Safety.
