New Delhi, January 1, 2026: India is poised to achieve a significant milestone in railway travel with the launch of its first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Kolkata–Guwahati corridor. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the 16-coach semi-high-speed train in the coming days, Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday.
The new sleeper variant of the Vande Bharat Express has been designed to offer long-distance passengers a modern, comfortable, and affordable travel option. Capable of carrying more than 800 passengers, the train combines advanced technology with passenger-centric features aimed at enhancing overnight journeys between eastern and northeastern India.
Highlighting the train’s regional touch, Vaishnaw said catering services will reflect local flavours, with Assamese cuisine served on services originating from Assam and meals inspired by Bengal offered on departures from West Bengal. He added that extensive work was carried out over the past year to finalise the bogey design and introduce a next-generation suspension system to ensure superior ride comfort.
The railway minister said the sleeper train reflects India’s broader vision of railway modernisation, noting that 2026 is being positioned as a transformative year for rail reforms. He also pointed to India’s growing capabilities in railway manufacturing, expressing confidence that the country would eventually export train propulsion systems and bogies to global markets.
Positioned as a cost-effective alternative to air travel, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to significantly reduce travel expenses on the busy Kolkata–Guwahati route. While airfare on the sector typically ranges between Rs 6,000 and Rs 8,000, railway fares have been set substantially lower, making high-speed overnight rail travel accessible to a wider section of passengers.
With a design speed of up to 180 kmph, the train features newly designed berths and ladders, automatic doors, advanced air-conditioning, and air disinfectant technology similar to that used in the chair car version of Vande Bharat trains. Officials said the overall ride quality and comfort levels are expected to surpass international benchmarks in the sleeper train segment.
The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks another step in Indian Railways’ push to modernise its network while offering passengers a world-class travel experience without the high cost of flying.
