India's Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Launch on Guwahati-Kolkata Route

The Indian Railways is set to introduce its first Vande Bharat sleeper train this month, marking a significant development in long-distance travel for passengers. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw revealed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi is slated to inaugurate the train in the latter half of January 2026.

Manufactured by Indian Railways, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is designed for long-distance routes and overnight journeys. According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, two sleeper train sets have been completed and successfully tested, with operations planned on distances ranging from 1,200 to 1,500 kilometres.

Route Details

The inaugural service will connect Guwahati, the capital of Assam, to Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. Each sleeper train will consist of 16 coaches, including 11 air-conditioned three-tier coaches, four air-conditioned two-tier coaches, and one air-conditioned first-class coach, accommodating a total of 823 passengers. Vaishnaw indicated that an additional eight sleeper trains will be launched over the next six months, bringing the total to twelve by the end of the year. The route will benefit various districts in Assam and West Bengal, including Kamrup Metropolitan and Howrah.

Fare Structure

Indian Railways has announced the fare for the Vande Bharat sleeper train, starting at ₹2,300 for a one-way journey from Guwahati to Kolkata. The pricing structure is as follows:

• AC 3-tier: ₹2,300
• AC 2-tier: ₹3,000
• AC 1st class: ₹3,600

A video shared by Vaishnaw on X (formerly Twitter) showcased the train undergoing high-speed trials. During tests on the Kota–Nagda route, the Vande Bharat sleeper reached its maximum design speed of 180 kilometres per hour, with a stability test demonstrating that water-filled glasses remained upright even at high speeds.

Innovative Features

The Vande Bharat sleeper train is tailored for overnight and long-haul travel, serving as the sleeping-class alternative to the existing chair car services. Currently, two prototype sets have been constructed by BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited). Indian Railways aims to revolutionise long-distance travel by introducing over 200 sleeper trains in the coming years.

Built for semi-high-speed operations, the sleeper train is designed for speeds up to 160 kilometres per hour, with trial runs achieving 180 kilometres per hour. The actual operational speeds will depend on the railway infrastructure.

Inspired by European design, the sleeper coaches feature cushioned berths for enhanced comfort, improved access to upper berths, and a range of onboard amenities. These include soft lighting, public address systems, CCTV for security, and modular pantry units. The advanced bio-vacuum toilets, similar to those found in aircraft, will also be included. Additional facilities will cater to passengers with disabilities, with features such as baby care areas and shower facilities in the first-class coach.

Safety is a priority, with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system integrated into the design. The sleeper train will utilise regenerative braking technology to enhance energy efficiency. Each coach will have sealed gangways and automated doors, ensuring consistent air quality and temperature control.

Facilities within the coaches will include personal reading lights, power charging points, and foldable snack tables, all finished with glass-fibre reinforced plastic panels. Train doors will operate automatically at designated stops, and a Centralised Coach Monitoring System will be in place, allowing passengers to communicate directly with the locomotive pilot in emergencies.

BEML is working in collaboration with the Integral Coach Factory to produce ten sleeper train sets, while Kinet, a joint venture between Indian and Russian companies, is constructing another ten. Additionally, a consortium led by Titagarh Rail Systems and BHEL has received an order for 80 sleeper-class trainsets. The Integral Coach Factory is also working on an internal project to develop its own sleeper configuration of the Vande Bharat train.