First-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to run between Guwahati and Howrah

Indian Railways to begin its first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train service between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal

The New Vande Bharat Sleeper Train - the first one to start between Guwahati and Howrah. Picture by Ministry of Railways @RailMinIndia on X.

Indian Railways is set to launch its first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train service, which is going to run between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.

This 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.

The Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, and Electronics & Information Technology, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, announced today on 01 January 2026 that the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.

The railway route map for the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train between Kamakhya (in Guwahati) and Howrah railway stations. Picture by Ministry of Railways on PIB.

While extending warm New Year greetings at a meeting at Rail Bhawan, New Delhi, he said that the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will begin on this route, this month in January 2026 itself, which will be flagged off by the Honourable Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi.

The districts that benefit by the new 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.

A new era of long-distance travel begins! India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to run between Howrah and Guwahati, offering modern comfort, advanced safety systems, and a new standard in long-distance rail travel..
Ministry of Railways @RailMinIndia, on X. 6:33 PM · Jan 1, 2026

The first ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train will have 16 coaches, which include 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach, which can carry a total of around 823 passengers.

The Railways Minister Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw further stated that a completely newly designed bogie (rail coach) with new suspension has been developed for this train, and that the design parameters have been taken to a new level in this case.

A view of the interiors of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train with modern design of sleeper berths and ergonomic ladder. Picture by Ministry of Railways on PIB.

Its interiors and ladders feature an ergonomic design, with special parameters implemented throughout the train for better safety and security.

A view of the interiors of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train with special arrangements for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities). Picture by Ministry of Railways on PIB.

Just like the regular Vande Bharat Express trains, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will also feature region-specific culinary offerings during the journey.

The Train originating from Guwahati will feature authentic Assamese cuisine, while train starting from Kolkata will serve traditional Bengali delicacies, ensuring a delightful and culturally rich dining experience on board.

Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train

A view of the interiors of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train with comfortable cushioned berths in 3-Tier AC. Picture by Ministry of Railways on PIB.

• Semi-high-speed train with design speed up to 180 kmph
• Ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning
• Automatic doors with vestibules for smooth movement
• Enhanced ride comfort with superior suspension and noise reduction
• Fitted with KAVACH
• Disinfectant technology to maintain high sanitation
• Driver cab with advanced controls and safety systems
• Aerodynamic exterior looks & Automatic exterior passenger doors
• Special arrangements for Divyangjans (persons with disabilities)
• Emergency talk-back unit for communication between Passenger and Train Manager/Loco Pilot in case of emergency
• CCTVs in all coaches
• Improved fire safety Aerosol based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories

A view of the modern toilets in the new Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Picture by Ministry of Railways on PIB.

A view of the passenger emergency talkback system in the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Picture by Ministry of Railways on PIB.

Passenger information system in the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains. Picture by Ministry of Railways on PIB.

Just yesterday, on 31 December 2025, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train successfully completed its Final High-Speed Trial at 180 kilometres per hour (kmph) speed. And today, on 1st day of the New Year 2026, the first ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train service is announced as Indian Railways’ New Year Gift to the nation.

The Final High-Speed Trial of Vande Bharat Sleeper train showcased a water-glass stability demonstration, in which glasses filled with water remained steady without any spillage, even at high speed, highlighting the advanced ride quality, superior suspension, and technological robustness of this new-generation modern train of Indian Railways.

The Vande Bharat trains, along with the Amrit Bharat trains, Namo Bharat rapid rail services, and other trains with the modern LHB coaches are the advanced modern train services of Indian Railways.

References

1. Indian Railways’ New Year Gift to the Nation: First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to Run Between Guwahati and Howrah - Ministry of Railways, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 01 JAN 2026 5:03PM by PIB Delhi