Indian Railways has cleared the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train after successful trials and certification, marking a new era in long-distance overnight rail travel. The Guwahati–Kolkata corridor will be the first route, offering high speed (up to 180 kmph), modern sleeper amenities, and affordable fares compared to air travel. Equipped with advanced safety systems like KAVACH, regenerative braking, and smart passenger facilities, the indigenously built train strengthens Make in India, enhances passenger comfort, and is set to transform intercity and overnight connectivity across India.
Key Details:
- Route: Guwahati (Kamakhya) – Howrah.
- Inauguration: Virtually flagged off by PM Modi on January 17, 2026, with the return service formally flagged off from Howrah.
- First Commercial Run: From Kamakhya (Train No. 27576) on January 22, 2026, and from Howrah on January 23, 2026.
- Operator: Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone.
- Duration: Covers the 972 km distance in about 14 hours.
Features & Benefits:
- Enhanced Comfort: Ergonomically designed cushioned berths, redesigned ladders for upper berths, noise reduction, superior suspension for jerk-free rides.
- Modern Amenities: Aircraft-style bio-vacuum toilets, individual reading lights, USB charging points, automatic sliding doors.
- Advanced Safety: Includes KAVACH anti-collision system, CCTV surveillance, and emergency talk-back units.
- Faster Travel: Aims to make long-distance overnight journeys quicker and more comfortable than air travel at a lower cost.
