Indian Railways is set to introduce its first Vande Bharat Sleeper train on the Guwahati-Kolkata route after the completion of testing, trials and safety certification, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday.
The long-distance sleeper version of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat train is designed for journeys exceeding 1,000 kilometres and aims to provide faster, safer and more comfortable overnight travel.
Addressing a press conference, Vaishnaw said the inaugural service would be launched within the next 15-20 days and flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He described the sleeper variant as the next stage in the evolution of Vande Bharat trains, following the strong public response to the chair car version.
The Guwahati-Howrah service will offer multiple classes, with fares fixed at around ₹2,300 for 3AC, approximately ₹3,000 for 2AC, and nearly ₹3,600 for First AC. The minister noted that airfares on the same sector often range between ₹6,000 and ₹10,000, positioning the sleeper train as a more affordable alternative.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper features upgraded suspension, modern sleeper coaches and advanced safety systems to enhance passenger comfort during long journeys. The 16-coach rake includes improved berths, automatic doors, modern toilets, CCTV surveillance, fire detection systems, digital information displays and energy-efficient technologies.
Also read: High speed trial of Vande Bharat train completed at 180kmph
Safety measures onboard include the KAVACH automatic train protection system, crashworthy couplers, enhanced fire protection, emergency communication units and dedicated facilities for Divyangjan passengers.
The train recently cleared its final high-speed trial under the supervision of the Commissioner of Railway Safety on the Kota–Nagda section, during which it achieved a maximum speed of 180 kmph. Parameters such as braking performance, ride stability, vibration levels, safety systems and emergency response were evaluated and found satisfactory.
According to officials, around 12 Vande Bharat Sleeper trains are expected to be inducted into the railway network by the end of this year, with a more rapid expansion planned next year.
The successful completion of trials paves the way for the rollout of sleeper services across key long-distance routes, reinforcing Indian Railways’ focus on safety, innovation and indigenous manufacturing under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
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