Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the country’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train later this month, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced at Rail Bhavan in Delhi. The new overnight service will link Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya in Assam, offering a faster and more comfortable option for travellers between the two states.
Vande Bharat sleeper train set to connect Howrah and Kamakhya
Vaishnaw said all trials, testing and certification for the sleeper variant have been completed, and the inaugural service will be flagged off soon. Railway officials emphasised that the team accelerated work on the project and brought the service forward from an earlier mid‑year expectation to a January launch.
The train will call at New Bongaigaon, New Cooch Behar, New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, New Farakka, Azimganj, Katwa and Bandel along its route. Its schedule will be arranged so that departures are in the evening and arrivals occur in the morning, making it suitable for overnight travel and business commuters.
Sources from Northeast Frontier Railway confirmed the rake will have 16 coaches and a seating capacity for 823 passengers. The composition includes 11 AC three‑tier coaches, four AC two‑tier coaches and a single first AC coach. The design focuses on passenger comfort, with ergonomically cushioned berths and advanced suspension to improve ride quality.
Officials highlighted several modern features on board, including automatic doors with vestibules, a contemporary passenger information system and noise reduction measures. The train also incorporates special provisions for passengers with disabilities, contemporary toilets and advanced disinfectant technology.
Onboard catering will offer authentic Assamese and Bengali dishes. An official estimated fares will range between ₹2,300 and ₹3,600, significantly lower than comparable air fares while including meals, which positions the service as a value‑focused overnight alternative.
Testing runs have been encouraging. Sources said a recent trial reached a top speed of around 180 km/h, underscoring the rake’s capability on suitable sections of the route. Safety certification has been completed and officials said scheduling will take track capacity and regional traffic into account to maintain reliable timings.
The announcement comes as political attention intensifies in both West Bengal and Assam ahead of upcoming assembly elections. Observers noted that enhanced rail connectivity is likely to be well received by residents, particularly as it promises a direct, comfortable overnight option connecting major urban and regional centres.
Railway ministry officials said the sleeper Vande Bharat expands the Indian Railways’ offering of semi‑high speed travel beyond chair car services, addressing passenger demand for overnight journeys on long inter‑state routes. If the service performs as expected, similar sleeper Vande Bharat rakes could be considered for other long‑distance corridors.
Vaishnaw added that the project reflects an effort to modernise long‑distance rail travel while keeping fares accessible. The new train aims to combine the speed and comfort associated with Vande Bharat sets with the convenience of overnight accommodation, creating a direct competitor to short‑haul air services on the route.
Key Takeaways:
- India to introduce the first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah and Kamakhya, flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- The 16-coach rake seats 823 passengers and includes AC three-tier, two-tier and first AC coaches.
- Train features modern comforts, accessibility measures and onboard Assamese and Bengali catering.
- Fares expected between ₹2,300 and ₹3,600, offering a cost-effective overnight alternative to air travel.
