India launches first sleeper version of Vande Bharat
India has taken a major leap in rail modernisation with the launch of its first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, designed to transform long-distance overnight travel. Set to operate on the Howrah–Guwahati route, the new service combines high speed, advanced safety systems, and hotel-like comfort—marking a significant milestone for Indian Railways.
Indian Railways is set to mark a major milestone in long-distance rail travel with the launch of India’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. The state-of-the-art train is fully ready and will operate on the Howrah–Guwahati route, with its formal inauguration scheduled for January 17.
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| Prime Minister of India |
Significantly, this is also West Bengal’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper service, reinforcing the region’s growing importance in India’s rail modernization drive.
Ahead of its launch, the train has been stationed at Malda Town railway station, where it has already become a major attraction for the public and media alike. The station premises, platforms, tracks, and surrounding infrastructure have been extensively cleaned, painted, and decorated. A large number of media professionals and travel influencers are present to cover what is being described as a historic moment for Indian Railways.
More Than a Train — A Symbol of a New India
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is being hailed as the most advanced and comfortable sleeper train ever introduced in India. Featuring an aerodynamic design, a distinctive saffron (kesariya) colour scheme, and a bullet-train-like appearance, it stands apart from conventional long-distance trains.
Railway officials state that the Vande Bharat Sleeper surpasses premium services such as Rajdhani, Duronto, Tejas, and Bharat Gaurav Express in terms of technology, comfort, and safety.
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| Vande Bharat |
Coach Composition and Passenger Capacity
The train consists of 16 coaches with a total sleeping capacity of over 820 passengers:
11 Third AC (3AC) coaches – approx. 631 passengers
4 Second AC (2AC) coaches – approx. 188 passengers
1 First AC (H1) coach – 24 passengers
Premium Experience Even in Third AC
The Third AC coaches have been completely redesigned to offer a far superior experience compared to traditional 3AC travel:
Individual charging points for every berth, including upper berths
Reading lights and mobile holders
Improved ventilation system
Combination of Indian and Western toilets
Clean, modern interiors
Automatic sliding doors
Emergency talk-back units
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| Inside look |
These features elevate Third AC travel to a level previously unseen in Indian sleeper trains.
Second AC: More Advanced Than Rajdhani
Second AC passengers will enjoy a distinctly premium environment, including:
High-quality privacy curtains
Softer, wider berths with better spacing
Mobile and laptop charging points
Individual AC vent control
Digital display screens showing speed and station updates
Rail experts believe that the Second AC experience in the Vande Bharat Sleeper is more modern than that of Rajdhani and Duronto Express trains.
First AC: A Hotel on Wheels
The First AC coach offers a luxury experience comparable to a moving hotel:
Coupe and cabin configuration
Attendant call buttons
Dedicated luggage space
Premium washrooms (Indian and Western)
Shower facilities
Enhanced sound insulation for a quieter journey
Passengers are assured complete privacy, comfort, and premium service.
Strong Focus on Safety and Cleanliness
Safety and hygiene have been given top priority:
CCTV surveillance across coaches
Automatic doors
Emergency braking systems
Advanced waste management
Bio-vacuum toilets
At Malda Town station, even pipelines, tracks, and adjacent areas have been freshly painted and upgraded to meet the new service standards.
Speed, Technology, and Future Upgrades
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is capable of running at 130–140 km/h, with a design speed of up to 180 km/h. According to railway sources, further technological upgrades are planned in future phases.
Passengers can expect a travel time reduction of nearly three hours on long-distance routes.
Fare Structure: Costlier Than Rajdhani
On January 9, 2026, the Railway Board officially notified the fare structure. Fares are slightly higher than Rajdhani Express, reflecting the premium nature of the service.
Per-Kilometre Fare
3AC: ₹2.40/km
2AC: ₹3.10/km
1AC: ₹3.80/km
Minimum chargeable distance: 400 km
(GST applicable)
Minimum Fare (up to 400 km)
3AC: ₹960
2AC: ₹1,240
1AC: ₹1,520
Compared to Rajdhani Express, fares are 14%–19% higher.
Why the Higher Fare?
Railway officials cite several reasons:
Higher operational speed
Advanced safety systems
Modern interiors and suspension
Hotel-like onboard facilities
Guaranteed confirmed berths
No RAC or Waiting List
A major booking policy change has been introduced:
Only confirmed tickets allowed
No RAC or waiting list
All berths remain open from Day One
Passengers get guaranteed accommodation, though with less booking flexibility.
Estimated Fare on Howrah–Guwahati Route
For a distance of approximately 1,000 km:
3AC fare: around ₹2,400
This is notably higher than conventional trains like Saraighat Express.
Catering Policy and Regional Cuisine
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has clarified:
No dynamic pricing
Catering charges included in ticket fare
Regional menus to be served
Assamese cuisine on Guwahati-origin trains
Bengali cuisine on Kolkata-origin trains
Only digital payments will be accepted, even at ticket counters.
Designed for Overnight Long-Distance Travel
The Vande Bharat Sleeper has been specially engineered for 1,000–1,500 km overnight journeys, allowing passengers to board in the evening and arrive the next morning.
Key engineering highlights include:
New propulsion system
Advanced suspension technology
Semi-automatic couplers to reduce jerks
Ergonomic driver cabins
Noise reduction technology
During testing, even water-filled glasses reportedly remained stable — a testament to Indian engineering excellence.
Railways’ Broader Modernisation Drive
According to Indian Railways:
79% of tracks have already been upgraded
Around 7,000 km of track renewed annually
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| Vande Bharat Inauguration |
Major upgrades underway in signaling, overhead wiring, platforms, and stations
Future Plans
12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains planned this year
5 new route pairs to be introduced
Rapid expansion in coming years
Conclusion
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is not just a new train—it represents a transformational shift in Indian Railways. Designed for passengers who prioritise speed, safety, comfort, and confirmed berths, it offers a premium alternative to traditional overnight trains.
While fares are higher, the experience promises to redefine long-distance rail travel in India.
With its commercial run beginning on January 17, all eyes are now on how this ambitious project reshapes the future of Indian rail transport.
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