Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train, which will operate between Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in New Delhi.
Vaishnaw told reporters that the service is ready to enter operation within the next 15–20 days, with a likely launch date around 18 or 19 January. He said officials had requested the Prime Minister to flag off the train and that the final date would be announced within two to three days.
Kolkata Guwahati Vande Bharat sleeper train will broaden affordable long‑distance travel
The new service marks the first time the Vande Bharat platform will be used for an overnight sleeper configuration. Vaishnaw emphasised the fare structure had been designed with the middle class in mind, offering a substantially cheaper alternative to air travel on the same route.
According to the minister, a return by air between Guwahati and Howrah typically costs between ₹6,000 and ₹8,000. The Vande Bharat sleeper fares announced are roughly one‑third of that: third AC is expected to be around ₹2,300 including food, second AC about ₹3,000 and first AC around ₹3,600. The pricing aims to make modern, faster rail travel accessible to a wider section of the population.
Vande Bharat trains are India’s semi‑high‑speed passenger trains and are known for modern amenities and quicker acceleration than conventional express services. Adapting the platform for sleeper operations responds to demand for comfortable overnight connectivity between the eastern and north‑eastern regions.
Railway officials say the sleeper configuration will enable passengers to travel overnight and arrive refreshed, while enjoying the improved onboard facilities associated with the Vande Bharat series. The combination of lower fares and overnight timings is intended to attract travellers who currently opt for air travel despite the higher cost.
Observers note the timing of the launch is significant because assembly elections are due this year in both Assam and West Bengal. Improved transport links can influence economic activity and voter mobility, though ministers emphasise the announcement is driven by service readiness and demand for better connectivity.
Vaishnaw said the rail ministry would confirm the precise flag‑off date shortly and provide further details on schedules and booking arrangements. Once operational, the Kolkata Guwahati Vande Bharat sleeper train will be closely watched as a test case for extending the Vande Bharat model to longer overnight services on other routes.
For passengers weighing cost and convenience, the new service promises a middle‑class friendly option that balances comfort with affordability. Officials expect bookings to open soon after the formal inauguration, with introductory fares and catering included for sleeping passengers.
The launch highlights continued investment in India’s rail infrastructure and the government’s focus on improving connectivity to the north‑east. If successful, the sleeper variant of Vande Bharat could pave the way for similar overnight services that link major regional centres across the country.
Key Takeaways:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train between Howrah (Kolkata) and Guwahati within weeks.
- Third AC fares will be around ₹2,300 including food; 2nd AC about ₹3,000 and 1st AC about ₹3,600, considerably lower than air fares.
- The service is expected to begin around 18–19 January and is pitched at middle‑class travellers.
- The Kolkata Guwahati Vande Bharat sleeper train strengthens overnight connectivity ahead of assembly elections in Assam and West Bengal.
