India First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Begin Service Between Guwahati and Kolkata

India First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Begin Service Between Guwahati and Kolkata

Why in News? 

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on January 17, 2026. The official ceremony will take place at Malda Town in West Bengal. This sleeper train will connect Howrah (Kolkata) and Kamakhya (Guwahati) six days a week.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train – Comprehensive Insight

• About: The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is a new generation semi-high-speed train designed for long-distance overnight travel in India. It is an extension of the original Vande Bharat Express series but equipped with sleeper berths. It is built to provide faster overnight travel with modern amenities, enhanced comfort, and improved safety for passengers.

• Manufacturer: The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is being developed primarily in India under the “Make in India” initiative. The Bharat Earth Movers Limited (BEML) is the lead manufacturer of the train’s coach sets. The design and engineering inputs also come from the Integral Coach Factory (ICF), Chennai.

• Trials: The first prototype of the sleeper train was completed by ICF in December 2024. The Research Designs and Standards Organisation (RDSO) led multiple trials. The train successfully completed high-speed trials on the Kota-Nagda section on 30 December 2025 under Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS) supervision.

• Operational Timeline: The first Vande Bharat Sleeper service between Guwahati and Kolkata is scheduled to debut from January 17, 2026. Regular passenger operations will commence soon after the inauguration, likely from January 18, 2026, with the train running six days a week in both directions.

• Route: The Vande Bharat Sleeper will run between Kamakhya (Guwahati) in Assam and Howrah (Kolkata) in West Bengal, covering approximately 966 km. The train will traverse major junctions like Bandel, Katwa, New Farakka, Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri, New Coochbehar, and New Bongaigaon before reaching Kamakhya, integrating key centers.

• Fares: The Indian Railways has set fare tiers keeping affordability. For the full journey between Guwahati and Kolkata: AC 3-tier: ₹2,300, AC 2-tier: ₹3,000 and AC First Class: ₹3,600. These fares are inclusive of food.

Technical and Operational Specifications of Vande Bharat Sleeper

• Speed and Acceleration Performance: The trainset achieves a maximum design speed of 180 kmph. It maintains a standard operational speed of 160 kmph during commercial services. The self-propelled Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) technology enables faster acceleration compared to traditional locomotive-hauled trains. 
• Rake Configuration and Capacity: The standard rake consists of 16 air-conditioned coaches. This formation includes one AC First Class coach, four AC 2-Tier coaches, and 11 AC 3-Tier coaches. The total passenger capacity accommodates 823 berths, with additional berths reserved for onboard staff. 
• Advanced Safety Systems: Indian Railways equips the train with the indigenous Kavach 4.0 Automatic Train Protection (ATP) system. This technology prevents collisions by automatically applying brakes if a driver overshoots a signal. The coaches also feature crash-worthy buffers and anti-climbers to protect passengers during impacts. 
• Braking and Energy Efficiency: The train utilizes a regenerative braking system to recover electrical energy during deceleration. This system feeds energy back into the overhead power lines, significantly reducing overall power consumption. Standard air brakes provide reliable stopping power during emergencies. 
• Ride Quality and Suspension: Advanced suspension systems minimize vibrations and lateral movements. The “water-glass test” recently validated this stability by showing that water remains steady in a glass even at 180 kmph. Special semi-permanent couplers ensure a jerk-free experience during starting and stopping. 
• Fire Safety Standards: All materials used in the interiors comply with the EN 45545 HL3 global fire safety standard. The coaches feature aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems in both electrical cabinets and lavatories. Remotely operated fire barrier doors prevent the spread of smoke between coaches. 
• Interior Amenities and Ergonomics: The berths feature memory foam cushioning for enhanced comfort during overnight travel. Ergonomically designed ladders allow easier access to upper berths for children and senior citizens. Each berth provides individual reading lights, USB charging ports, and integrated mobile holders. 
• Sanitation and Hygiene Features: The train employs aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets to maintain high hygiene standards. The AC First Class coach includes an exclusive hot water shower facility for passengers. Odour control systems and anti-spill deep washbasins further improve the restroom environment. 
• Environmental and Health Controls: Integrated UV-C lamp units in the air-conditioning system disinfect the air by killing viruses and bacteria. Fully sealed gangways and automatic plug doors maintain a dust-free environment and efficient climate control. Sensor-based lighting systems in common areas optimize energy use. 
• Communication and Monitoring: A Centralised Coach Monitoring System (CCMS) allows real-time tracking of air conditioning, lighting, and safety parameters. Passengers can use emergency talk-back units to communicate directly with the loco pilot or train manager. CCTV surveillance cameras monitor all coaches to ensure passenger security.