Indian Railways introduces Vande Bharat Sleeper on the Howrah–Guwahati route.
With a capacity of around 823 passengers, the train will have 16 coaches, comprising 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach. At a meeting at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi, Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology Ashwini Vaishnaw wished everyone a happy New Year and announced that the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will run between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal. He declared that the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has successfully finished its thorough trial, testing, and certification.
The inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on this route will be launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January. According to the Minister, this breakthrough is an important turning point for Indian Railways, the country, and its rail passengers.
Additionally, he stated that 2026 will see significant changes to Indian Railways, including the introduction of a number of passenger-focused projects. In Assam State, Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon, and in West Bengal State, Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah are among the areas that benefited from the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train.
According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, a totally redesigned bogie with a new suspension has been created. A new level of design parameters has been reached. Its ladders and interiors are ergonomically designed, and unique safety and security measures are incorporated throughout. With its combination of speed, convenience, and contemporary amenities for overnight travel, the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train ushers in a new era for Indian Railways. It exemplifies Indian Railways’ emphasis on passenger-centric services, technological innovation, and regional connectivity, providing passengers with a quick, easy, safe, and culturally enriching travel experience.
