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. Here's the details and features of this train

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 new Vande Bharat Sleeper 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 First-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Image by South Eastern Railway @serailwaykol on X.

The First-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is Train No. 27576 between Kamakhya (KYQ) and Howrah (HWH). This train's first journey is scheduled to commence on 22nd January 2026 from Kamakhya, and on 23rd January 2026 from Howrah.

The ticket booking windows for this new service opened on 19th January 2026 at 08:00 hours, and the tickets across all classes were completely sold out, within 24 hours.

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

Vande Bharat Sleeper train's advanced aerodynamic exterior design reduces air resistance, which ensures a smooth and stable train ride even at high speeds.

Capable of running at speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour (kmph), the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will significantly reduce travel time while offering a quiet and premium travel experience.

A top view of the First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and other trains. It has an advanced aerodynamic exterior design compared to the other trains here. Image by South Eastern Railway @serailwaykol on X.

The new Vande Bharat Sleeper on the Howrah–Guwahati route will significantly cut travel time compared to the current fastest service, the Saraighat Express (12345/12346).

The First Vande Bharat Sleeper, stands ready at Kamakhya Junction, for its maiden journey. Photo by Ministry of Railways @RailMinIndia on X.

A closer look at the exteriors of a coach of the First Vande Bharat Sleeper, at the platform of Kamakhya Junction railway station, just before its first journey. Photo by Ministry of Railways @RailMinIndia on X.

The Saraighat Express takes around 17 hours to cover the approximately 966 km distance between Howrah and Guwahati/Kamakhya. In contrast, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to complete the same journey in about 14 hours once operational, saving nearly 3 hours on the route.

An interior view of the luxurious Vande Bharat Sleeper Train and its two-tier sleeper berths. Photo by Ministry of Railways, on PIB.

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.

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

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.

The corridor and cabins of the First-Class AC coach of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. You can also see the steps leading to an upper berth, in the cabin. Image by South Eastern Railway @serailwaykol on X.

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 at a glance

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.

Here's a quick glance at the features and facilities of the First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train that is to be flagged off soon, which offers a safe, efficient and world class overnight travel experience

• It is equipped with ample luggage space, well-designed berths, ultra modern and spacious toilets
• It offers business class comfort at affordable rates for passengers besides punctuality, safety and reliability
• It offers a clean, hygienic, health-friendly, fatigue free journey, along with local cuisine (which comes included in the fare)
• Divyangjan-friendly spaces, modular pantries, disinfectant technology to add to Safe, Efficient and World Class Overnight Travel Experience
• Indigenous Kavach Automatic Train Protection System, advanced fire safety mechanisms, and CCTV surveillance
• It also has enhanced facilities for the train's staff and loco pilots

An exterior view of the advanced coaches of the First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, stationed at a railway station. Image by South Eastern Railway @serailwaykol on X.

One of the exceptional features of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is its cost-effectiveness compared to air travel. The proposed fares are designed to offer premium comfort at a substantially lower cost than airlines.

The indicative fares are approximately ₹2300 for 3 AC, ₹3000 for 2 AC and ₹3600 for First AC, making the Vande Bharat Sleeper an attractive option that combines affordability with high-quality amenities and services.

Advanced Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains

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
• Semi-Permanent Couplers and Anti-Climbers for a smooth and safe journey.

An advanced modern spacious toilet with better facilities in Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Picture by Ministry of Railways on PIB.

Automatic door with vestibule for seamless movement inside the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. Picture by Ministry of Railways on PIB

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.

A gangway diaphragm between two coupled coaches of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. This train contains Semi-Permanent Couplers and Anti-Climbers for smooth and safe rides. 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
2. Equipped With Ample Luggage Space, Well Designed Berths, Ultra Modern & Spacious Toilets, First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train to be flagged off Soon - Ministry of Railways, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 14 JAN 2026 7:36PM by PIB Delhi
3. Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Becomes a Hit Among Passengers - Ministry of Railways, on PIB - Press Information Bureau. Posted On: 20 JAN 2026 7:57PM by PIB Delhi.