Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced the first-ever Vande Bharat sleeper train that will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal, here on Thursday. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the Vande Bharat on this route towards the end of this month.

The districts benefited by the Vande Bharat sleeper train include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam State, and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal State. The train will have 16 coaches, including 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach, with a total capacity of around 823 passengers.

Outlining the features of the new outing, the minister said that Vande Bharat sleeper train represents a major leap in India’s long-distance rail travel, combining speed, safety and passenger comfort in a single modern platform.

Designed for semi-high-speed operations with a maximum speed of up to 180 kmph, the train features ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning, automatic doors with vestibules for seamless inter-coach movement, and enhanced ride comfort through superior suspension and noise-reduction systems.

Safety is a key focus, with the train fitted with the indigenous KAVACH collision avoidance system, advanced driver cab controls, CCTVs in all coaches, and emergency talk-back units enabling direct communication between passengers and the train manager or loco pilot.

Hygiene and fire safety have also been upgraded through disinfectant technology for high sanitation standards and aerosol-based fire detection and suppression systems in electrical cabinets and lavatories. With an aerodynamic exterior, automatic exterior passenger doors, special facilities for Divyangjans, and a host of smart safety features, the Vande Bharat sleeper train is set to redefine overnight rail travel in India.

He stated that the complete trial, testing, and certification of the Vande Bharat sleeper train have been successfully completed. In the month of January. The Minister stated that this development represents a significant milestone for Indian Railways, the nation, and its rail passengers. He also mentioned that 2026 will be a year of major reforms for Indian Railways, with several passenger-centric initiatives set to be introduced.

Vaishnaw said that a completely newly designed bogie with new suspension has been developed. The design parameters have been taken to a new level. Its interiors and ladders feature an ergonomic design, with special parameters implemented throughout for safety and security.

“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,” he said.

Further, the 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 the train starting from Kolkata will serve traditional Bengali delicacies.