India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train introduced; Guwahati-Kolkata route to begin in January.

New Delhi, January 1, 2026: The Narendra Modi government has given the country a New Year gift by announcing the launch of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on Thursday.

The semi-high-speed sleeper service will operate on the Guwahati-Kolkata route, significantly enhancing long-distance rail connectivity between the Northeast and eastern India.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to flag off the train later this month.

According to Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav, the inaugural ceremony is likely to take place between January 15 and January 20, 2026, with January 17 to 18 being the most probable dates.

The Railway Minister said the Vande Bharat train will commence commercial operations in January 2026 and will greatly benefit passengers travelling between the Northeast and Kolkata.

He also announced that eight more Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be introduced over the next six months, while a total of 12 sleeper versions are planned to be launched across the country during the year.

Coach, capacity and speed of Vande Bharat:

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will have 16 coaches comprising 11 third AC coaches, 4 second AC coaches and 1 first AC coach.

The train will offer a total seating and sleeping capacity of 823 passengers, including 611 berths in Third AC, 188 berths in Second AC and 24 berths in First AC.

The train has been designed for a maximum speed of 180 km per hour, making it one of the fastest long-distance sleeper trains in the country.

The fare of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train has been fixed, with passengers of Third AC will spend Rs 2,300, Rs 3,000 for Second AC and Rs 3,600 for First AC.

Modern amenities and safety features:

The sleeper version of Vande Bharat comes with state-of-the-art passenger amenities, including specially designed berths with enhanced cushioning and soft mattresses to ensure comfort during long journeys.

The coaches will feature automatic doors, interconnected corridors, and an advanced suspension system for a smooth and quiet ride.

In terms of safety, the train will be equipped with the Kavach anti-collision system, an emergency talk-back system, and modern safety controls in the driver’s cabin.

The coaches will also use disinfectant technology to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.

Additionally, the train will sport an aerodynamic design and automatic external passenger doors, reflecting its next-generation engineering.

The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks a significant milestone in Indian Railways’ modernization drive, offering fast, safe, and comfortable long-distance travel for passengers, particularly those traveling between the Northeast and major metropolitan centres.

Also Read: Howrah-Bhagalpur Vande Bharat Express, extended to Jamalpur, was flagged off on August 16.

EOM.