Indian Railways’ New Year Gift to the Nation: First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Run Between Guwahati and Howrah

Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, extended warm New Year greetings at a meeting at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi today while announcing that the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.

Launch & Flag-off
- The first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will run between Guwahati (Assam) and Howrah (West Bengal).
- Trials, testing, and certification have been successfully completed.
- The train will be flagged off in January 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Route & Beneficiaries
- Districts benefitting include:
- Assam: Kamrup Metropolitan, Bongaigaon
- West Bengal: Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, Howrah

Train Composition
- 16 coaches total:
- 11 three-tier AC coaches
- 4 two-tier AC coaches
- 1 first-class AC coach
- Capacity: ~823 passengers

Design & Comfort
- Newly designed bogie with advanced suspension for smoother rides.
- Ergonomic interiors and ladders, prioritizing safety and security.
- Semi-high-speed design with max speed up to 180 kmph.
- Features include:
- Automatic doors with vestibules
- Superior suspension & noise reduction
- Ergonomic berths with improved cushioning
- Region-specific cuisine (Assamese dishes from Guwahati, Bengali delicacies from Kolkata)

Safety & Technology
- Equipped with KAVACH disinfectant technology for sanitation.
- Advanced driver cab with safety systems.
- CCTV in all coaches.
- Fire safety: aerosol-based detection & suppression in electrical cabinets and lavatories.
- Emergency talk-back unit for passenger–train manager communication.
- Special arrangements for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities)

👉 In short: The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks a new era in overnight rail travel—combining speed, comfort, safety, and cultural richness, while strengthening connectivity between Assam and West Bengal.