Vande Bharat Sleeper Train at 180 kmph: Route, Ticket Prices & Launch Date

Vande Bharat Sleeper Train ticket prices: India is all set to witness a major upgrade in overnight rail travel with the launch of the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has announced that the country’s first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat train will be launched in January 2026, offering high-speed, fully air-conditioned comfort for long-distance journeys.

What Makes the Vande Bharat Sleeper Special?

The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is designed for overnight and long-distance routes of 1,200–1,500 km, combining speed, safety, and luxury. The train has completed trial runs and achieved its maximum design speed of 180 kmph, making it one of the fastest sleeper trains in India.

During speed trials on the Kota–Nagda section, the train demonstrated exceptional stability—glasses filled with water placed inside the coach did not spill even at 180 kmph, highlighting its advanced technology.

First Route: Guwahati – Kolkata

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between Guwahati and Kolkata, as confirmed by the Railway Minister.

Route Coverage:

Assam

Kamrup Metropolitan

Bongaigaon

West Bengal

Cooch Behar

Jalpaiguri

Malda

Murshidabad

Purba Bardhaman

Hooghly

Howrah

Coach Composition & Capacity

The train will have 16 coaches with a total passenger capacity of 823 passengers:

11 AC 3-Tier coaches

4 AC 2-Tier coaches

1 AC First Class coach

All coaches will be fully air-conditioned and designed for superior comfort during night travel.

Expected Ticket Prices (Guwahati – Kolkata)

According to Indian Railways sources, the tentative fares are:

AC 3-Tier: ₹2,300 per person

AC 2-Tier: ₹3,000 per person

AC First Class: ₹3,600 per person

(Final fares may vary slightly at the time of official launch.)

Expansion Plans

2 Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains are already ready

8 more trains to be introduced in the next six months

A total of 12 sleeper Vande Bharat trains are expected by the end of 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to flag off the inaugural service.

FAQs – Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

Q1. When will the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train be launched?

 January 2026

Q2. What is the maximum speed of the train?

180 kmph

Q3. Is the Vande Bharat Sleeper fully AC?

 Yes, all coaches are fully air-conditioned.

Q4. What is the first route of the train?

Guwahati to Kolkata

Q5. What is the minimum ticket price?

₹2,300 (AC 3-Tier)

Q6. How many passengers can the train carry?

823 passengers

Conclusion

The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train marks a significant milestone for Indian Railways. With high speed, modern technology, enhanced safety, and premium comfort, it is set to redefine overnight train travel in India. The Guwahati–Kolkata route will be the first to benefit, and more routes are expected soon, making long-distance journeys faster and more comfortable than ever before.