The Ministry of Railways is set to roll out the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train next week. This new semi-high-speed long-distance train will run between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya). This orange and grey coloured train will further enhance rail connectivity between eastern India and the Northeast. It is expected to offer a faster, safer and more comfortable travel experience to passengers.
Sleeper Configuration For Long-Distance Comfort
Unlike earlier Vande Bharat services that primarily featured chair car seating for daytime travel, this variant is specifically designed for overnight journeys. The train will include sleeper coaches with well-spaced berths, enabling passengers to rest comfortably for the duration of the trip. These modern sleeper accommodations represent a clear step up in comfort from traditional overnight services, combining ergonomic design with the advanced ride quality inherent to Vande Bharat trainsets.
Passengers can expect:
Clean washrooms and utility areas
Ergonomic and spacious sleeper berths
Charging ports and better lighting
Climate control tailored for overnight comfort
Faster Travel With Higher Speeds
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper train will operate at speeds of up to 130 km/h, making it one of the fastest overnight services on the nearly 966-kilometre stretch between Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati/Kamakhya in Assam. Compared with conventional express trains that typically average lower speeds, this service is expected to significantly cut journey times, helping travellers reach their destinations earlier and with greater predictability.
Route, Stops And Timetable
The train is scheduled to run between Howrah Junction and Kamakhya (near Guwahati), calling at key stations strategically selected to serve major population and business centres en route. Exact halts include important junctions that balance speedy travel with accessibility for passengers from Bihar, Jharkhand and Eastern Uttar Pradesh on the way to Assam.
While full timetable details will be confirmed closer to launch, preliminary plans indicate:
- Departure from Howrah in the evening
- Arrival at Kamakhya early the next morning
- Return service running overnight from Kamakhya to Howrah
This schedule aims to maximise convenience for overnight travellers who prefer to travel while sleeping and arrive refreshed at their destination.
Fare Structure And Booking
The service will be priced competitively with other long-distance trains, offering value for money given the enhanced speed and comfort. Indian Railways has indicated that fares will be set in line with existing premium train pricing but designed to remain accessible for a wide range of passengers.
Seat availability and reservations will open through standard railway booking channels, including online portals and ticket counters, with priority given to advance bookings.
Strategic And Economic Importance
The Howrah–Guwahati route is a critical rail corridor linking India’s economic hubs in the East with the Northeast, supporting passenger travel, commerce, tourism and cultural exchange. Introducing a high-speed, sleeper-enabled Vande Bharat service on this route reflects Indian Railways’ broader strategy to:
- Modernise long-distance travel
- Replace older overnight trains with more efficient alternatives
- Enhance connectivity to northeastern states
- Reduce travel times without compromising comfort
What Passengers Can Expect
Once operational, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to:
- Offer faster, smoother journeys
- Provide restful overnight travel
- Improve reliability and punctuality
- Attract travellers who previously preferred air travel for speed
By combining modern features with practical scheduling, this service is poised to become a preferred choice on one of India’s busiest rail corridors.
New Amrit Bharat Express services
The railway minister also confirmed that six new Amrit Bharat Express trains will be launched, with services starting on January 17 and 18, 2026.
Major technological upgrades for Indian Railways
Speaking at the Ati Vishisht Rail Seva Awards function in Delhi, Vaishnaw said 2026 will bring major transformations in Indian Railways, with large-scale adoption of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for operational and maintenance reforms.
The new initiatives aim to modernise railway operations, improve efficiency, and integrate advanced technology across the network.
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