Indian Railways is set to launch its first-ever sleeper-class Vande Bharat train, enhancing connectivity between Assam and West Bengal. The train will run on the 958-kilometer Howrah–Kamakhya route and is scheduled to be flagged off on Saturday, January 17, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw described the train as a milestone for Indian Railways and its passengers, while West Bengal BJP president Samik Bhattacharya highlighted its potential to boost connectivity across northern districts of the state.
The train will include 16 modern coaches: 11 three-tier AC, 4 two-tier AC, and 1 first-class AC coach, accommodating around 823 passengers. Passengers can expect region-specific culinary offerings, with Assamese cuisine served from Guwahati and Bengali delicacies from Kolkata.
Safety and comfort have been prioritized, featuring newly designed bogies, advanced suspension, ergonomic interiors, automatic doors with vestibules, Kavach anti-collision technology, CCTVs in all coaches, emergency talk-back systems, and special arrangements for differently-abled passengers.
Fares for the train vary by class and distance. In Third AC, tickets from Howrah to Kamakhya cost ₹2,299, Howrah to New Jalpaiguri ₹1,334, and Howrah to Malda Town ₹960. Second AC fares are ₹2,970, ₹1,724, and ₹1,240, respectively, while First AC fares are ₹3,640, ₹2,113, and ₹1,520. Passengers will pay 5% GST, and a minimum 400 km fare applies.
This launch marks a significant step in modernizing India’s rail network, combining speed, safety, and comfort for long-distance travel. With its sleeper-class design, the Vande Bharat Express promises a premium travel experience for passengers on the busy northeastern corridor.
