Vande Bharat Sleeper: First Sleeper Train Between Howrah and Guwahati

India is set to welcome its first Vande Bharat sleeper train, marking a milestone for comfortable, fast rail travel on India's busy northeast corridor. The new service will feature 11 three-tier AC coaches, four two-tier AC coaches, and a single 1st-class AC coach, with a total capacity of 823 passengers. The design aims to blend efficiency with passenger comfort for a route that links South Bengal to key North Bengal towns.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to inaugurate the sleeper service on Saturday, January 17, and will flag off the train. On the same day, he is also slated to flag off the Amrit Bharat Express from Malda to Kamakhya, signaling a broader push to improve regional connectivity. The Vande Bharat sleeper is set to operate on the Howrah–Guwahati corridor, a route long awaited by residents across the region.

The train’s introduction is particularly significant for towns in South and North Bengal, with the service promising direct connections to places such as Balurghat, Raiganj, Alipurduar and Malda. Railway officials emphasize passenger-friendly features and a move toward more inclusive pricing. Fares for the sleeper service start in the vicinity of Rs 2,300 on the Howrah–Guwahati route, making premium comfort more accessible for travelers.

Railways are also highlighting passenger-centric features, including no VIP quota and onboard local cuisine, aligning with broader efforts to modernize long-distance travel while preserving regional flavors for passengers. The launch is expected to boost regional mobility, shorten travel times, and support economic activity along the corridor. The initiative underscores the rapid modernization underway in India’s rail network, combining state-of-the-art coaches with strategic connectivity across Bengal and beyond.

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