India's first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to start in January: Route, speed, coaches, features — all you need to know

Indian Railways will roll out its first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Guwahati and Howrah, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday.

Addressing a New Year meeting at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi, Vaishnaw said the trial runs, testing and certification of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train have been successfully completed and the train will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi later this month.

The introduction of the sleeper variant is a “major milestone for Railways, the country, and its people,” the minister said.

"For a long time, there was an expectation of a new generation train...Vande Bharat Express gave the confidence...We keep getting requests from across the country for Vande Bharat," Vaishnaw said. "Vande Bharat Sleeper will provide similar comfort, safety, and standard for overnight journeys."

1. The 16-coach train will comprise 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one first-class AC coach, with a total passenger capacity of around 823.

2. Vaishnaw said the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train features a completely newly designed bogie with upgraded suspension systems, taking design and safety parameters to a new level.

3. The interiors, including berths and ladders, have been ergonomically designed with enhanced safety and security features.

4. Among its key features are a design speed of up to 180 kmph, automatic doors with vestibules, improved ride comfort with noise reduction, the KAVACH safety system, enhanced fire detection and suppression mechanisms, CCTV cameras in all coaches, emergency talk-back units, special arrangements for Divyangjans and advanced driver cab safety systems.

5. Designed for overnight journeys, the train’s timetable will allow it to depart from the origin station in the evening and arrive at its destination early the next morning.

6. The maiden Vande Bharat Sleeper train will serve Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal.

7. Passengers will also be served region-specific cuisine, with trains originating from Guwahati offering Assamese dishes, while those starting from Howrah will feature traditional Bengali delicacies.

“The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks a new era in Indian Railways, combining speed, comfort, and modern amenities for overnight travel,” an official release stated.

“It demonstrates the Indian Railways’ focus on passenger-centric services, technological innovation, and regional connectivity, offering travelers a safe, fast, convenient, and culturally enriched journey,” it added.