A HISTORIC MILESTONE AS INDIAN RAILWAYS INTRODUCES THE FIRST VANDE BHARAT SLEEPER TRAIN ON THE HOWRAH – GUWAHATI ROUTE
Indian Railways’ New Year Gift to the Nation: First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Run Between Guwahati (Kamakhya) and Howrah. Indian Railways is set to achieve a historic milestone with the introduction of the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between Guwahati (Kamakhya) in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal, connecting Eastern India and the Northeastern region.
The districts benefitted by the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam State, and Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal State.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will consist of 16 coaches with a total passenger carrying capacity of 823 (3T: 611 + 2T:188 + 1st AC:24) passengers. The train will connect major districts of West Bengal, including Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Murshidabad, Malda, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar, and will also serve Bongaigaon and Kamrup Metropolitan districts of Assam. This improved connectivity is expected to boost tourism, trade and economic activities, while facilitating easier movement for the travellers. The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train represents a new benchmark in modern rail travel, combining speed, safety and comfort.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will offer a comfortable, safe, and high-quality travel experience for overnight journeys. The timetable of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be planned in such a way that it departs from its origin in the evening and reaches its destination early the next morning.
Passengers on the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will enjoy region-specific culinary offerings during their journey. Train originating from Guwahati will feature authentic Assamese cuisine, while train starting from Kolkata will serve traditional Bengali delicacies, ensuring a delightful and culturally rich dining experience on board.
SALIENT FEATURES OF THE VANDE BHARAT SLEEPER TRAIN:
• Semi-high-speed train with a design speed of up to 180 kmph.
• Automatic doors with vestibules for smooth and safe passenger movement.
• Enhanced ride comfort with superior suspension and noise-reduction technology.
• Disinfection technology for maintaining high levels of sanitation.
• Advanced driver cab equipped with modern controls and safety systems.
• Aerodynamic exterior design and automatic exterior passenger doors.
• Special facilities for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs).
• Emergency talk-back unit for communication between passengers and Train Manager/Loco Pilot during emergencies.
• CCTV cameras in all coaches for enhanced security.
• Improved fire safety: Aerosol-based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories.
• Ergonomic Berths: Comfortable cushioned berths with improved ladder access for better passenger convenience.
• Advanced Safety Systems: KAVACH anti-collision system, emergency communication facilities, and modern fire detection mechanisms.
• Modern Passenger Amenities: Bio-vacuum toilets, shower facilities, and a modular pantry system.
COACH COMPOSITION:
• 11 AC 3-Tier coaches
• 4 AC 2-Tier coaches
• 1 AC First Class coach
FARE STRUCTURE:
As stated by the Hon’ble Minister of Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, fares of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train have been kept significantly lower than airline fares, while still offering superior comfort and premium onboard catering facilities.This initiative ensures that people from all sections of society, especially the middle class, can experience a modern, comfortable, and affordable travel option. Primary the fare chart proposed from Guwahati to Howrah as ₹ 2300 for AC 3Tire and ₹ 3000 & ₹3600 for AC 2Tire and AC 1St Class respectively .
Passengers will now be able to enjoy high-speed travel on both inter-state and intra-state routes at a much more accessible cost.
According to the Hon’ble Minister of Railways, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has successfully completed comprehensive testing and certification. The newly developed coaches feature advanced suspension systems, a completely redesigned ergonomic interior, and enhanced safety parameters, setting new benchmarks in passenger comfort, ride quality and security.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Howrah–Guwahati (Kamakhya) route reflects Indian Railways’ unwavering commitment to modernisation, affordable premium travel and strengthened regional connectivity, ushering in a new era of long-distance rail travel.
