India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper: Route, Fare & Launch Details

After years of anticipation, Indian Railways has officially confirmed the launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that the premium sleeper train will operate between Guwahati (Assam) and Howrah (Kolkata, West Bengal) and will soon be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The minister confirmed that testing and safety certification are complete, and the exact launch date will be announced within the next 2–3 days.

 

Vande Bharat Sleeper Route

From: Guwahati (Assam)

To: Howrah (Kolkata), West Bengal

Designed for long-distance overnight travel

Vande Bharat Sleeper Fare (Expected)

Indian Railways has kept fares significantly lower than air travel:

Class    Approx Fare (Including Food)

Sleeper            ₹2,300

2nd AC ₹3,000

1st AC  ₹3,600

In comparison, Guwahati–Kolkata flight tickets cost ₹6,000–₹8,000, making the train a budget-friendly alternative.

180 km/h High-Speed Trial Success

The final high-speed trial of the Vande Bharat Sleeper was conducted on the Kota–Nagda section under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety (CRS).

Trial Highlights:

• Achieved maximum speed of 180 km/h

• Successfully passed tests for:

• Ride stability

• Vibration & oscillation

• Braking & emergency braking

• Safety and control systems

A water-glass stability test video, shared by Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, showcased the train’s smooth performance even at high speed.

Vande Bharat Sleeper Features

The 16-coach Vande Bharat Sleeper rake is built for comfort, safety, and modern travel.

• Passenger Amenities:

• Comfortable sleeper berths

• Modern bio-vacuum toilets

• Automatic doors

• Digital passenger information system

• CCTV surveillance

• Fire detection & alarm systems

Advanced Safety & Technology Features

• KAVACH automatic train protection system

• Crashworthy semi-permanent couplers

• Regenerative braking technology

• Fire-barrier doors between coaches

• UV-C air-conditioning disinfection

• Emergency talk-back system

• Aerosol-based fire detection in electrical panels & toilets

FAQs – Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

Q1. Which is India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train?

The Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper is India’s first sleeper version.

Q2. Who will flag off the Vande Bharat Sleeper?

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the train.

 

Q3. What is the maximum speed of the train?

 The train has successfully touched 180 km/h during trials.

Q4. Is food included in the ticket fare?

Yes, food is included in the sleeper and AC fares.

Q5. When will the train be launched?

The official launch date will be announced within 2–3 days, as per the Railway Minister.

Conclusion

The launch of India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks a major milestone for Indian Railways. With high speed, modern safety systems, affordable fares, and overnight comfort, the Guwahati–Kolkata route is set to transform long-distance rail travel in India.

This train is expected to be a game-changer for Northeast connectivity, offering a faster, safer, and cheaper alternative to air travel.