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India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is set to be launched soon on the Howrah–Guwahati route, the Ministry of Railways announced on Thursday (1 January).
The 16-coach rake will comprise 11 AC three-tier coaches, 4 AC two-tier coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach, with a total passenger capacity of around 823, positioning it as a high-capacity premium option for overnight long-distance travel.
According to the Ministry of Railways, the sleeper variant has successfully completed all trials, testing, and certification and has been designed specifically to combine semi-high-speed performance with enhanced comfort during night journeys.
The ministry said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on Guwahati-Howrah route later this month.
The districts benefitted by the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam, and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal.
One of the most significant upgrades in the train is the introduction of a completely new bogie with an advanced suspension system, aimed at improving ride stability, reducing noise, and enhancing passenger comfort.
The interiors of the sleeper coaches feature ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning, safer ladders, and automatic doors with vestibules for smooth movement between coaches, enabling uninterrupted rest for passengers during overnight travel.
Safety systems form a major pillar of the new train set. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is equipped with KAVACH automatic train protection, CCTV cameras in all coaches, aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems in electrical cabinets and lavatories, and an emergency talk-back unit allowing direct communication between passengers and train staff.
The train also incorporates modern sanitation features and special arrangements for Divyangjan passengers, along with disinfectant technology to maintain high hygiene standards throughout the journey.
Adding a cultural dimension to the onboard experience, Railways has planned region-specific catering, with Assamese cuisine on services originating from Guwahati and traditional Bengali dishes on trains starting from Howrah.