India’s long-distance rail travel is set to enter a new era with the planned launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on the Guwahati–Kolkata (Howrah) route in January 2026. The new service, announced by Indian Railways, represents a major leap forward in overnight train travel, combining speed, comfort, and affordability for passengers travelling between Northeast India and eastern India’s largest metropolitan hub.
The upcoming sleeper variant builds on the success of the Vande Bharat train family, which has already reshaped daytime intercity travel across multiple corridors. With testing and certification of the sleeper configuration completed, the focus has now shifted to deployment on long-distance routes where overnight journeys are essential. The Guwahati–Kolkata sector has been chosen strategically due to its high passenger demand and economic importance.
Faster Overnight Travel for a Key Corridor
Covering a distance of roughly 1,000 to 1,100 kilometres, the Guwahati to Kolkata journey currently requires long overnight hours on conventional express trains. The Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to reduce travel time to approximately 16 to 18 hours, offering a notable improvement in efficiency without compromising rest.
Designed to operate at a maximum speed of up to 180 km/h, the train’s actual running speed will be aligned with existing track conditions. Even with these limitations, the service promises a significantly faster and smoother journey compared to traditional long-haul trains. For many passengers, this makes rail travel a viable alternative to air travel, particularly for those seeking comfort, reliability, and cost savings.
Strategic Connectivity Across Assam and West Bengal
The route has been planned to serve both major urban centres and important regional towns, strengthening connectivity across eastern India. The train will provide a direct, modern link between Guwahati and Kolkata, passing through one of the busiest rail corridors in the region.
Key stops are expected to include Guwahati, Kamakhya, New Bongaigaon, and Kokrajhar in Assam, along with New Alipurduar, New Cooch Behar, New Jalpaiguri, Malda Town, Bolpur Shantiniketan, and Howrah in West Bengal. These halts ensure that the benefits of the new service extend beyond metro cities, supporting regional mobility and access to education, tourism, and business centres.
The train is likely to operate six days a week, catering to a wide range of travellers including professionals, students, families, and tourists.
Designed for Comfort on Long Journeys
Unlike the chair-car configuration of existing Vande Bharat services, the sleeper variant has been purpose-built for overnight travel. The train will consist of 16 modern coaches, offering a mix of accommodation options to suit different budgets and preferences.
The planned configuration includes 11 AC Three-Tier coaches, four AC Two-Tier coaches, and one First AC coach. This balanced mix ensures affordability while maintaining a high standard of comfort. Modern berths, improved suspension systems, noise reduction features, and enhanced climate control are expected to deliver a restful travel experience even on long journeys.
Advanced safety systems, ergonomic interiors, and upgraded onboard amenities further distinguish the sleeper train from conventional express services. Together, these features aim to redefine expectations of overnight rail travel in India.
Competitive Fares Strengthen Rail’s Appeal
Affordability remains a key pillar of the Vande Bharat Sleeper initiative. Early fare estimates suggest prices that are competitive with both traditional trains and budget air travel. Indicative fares are expected to be around INR 2,300 for AC Three-Tier, INR 3,000 for AC Two-Tier, and INR 3,600 for First AC.
These price points position the service as an attractive option for passengers seeking a balance between comfort and cost. For many travellers, especially those undertaking frequent journeys between Assam and West Bengal, the sleeper train offers value without the inconvenience of airport transfers or higher airfares.
Boosting Tourism and Regional Growth
The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is expected to have a broader impact beyond transportation. Improved overnight connectivity can stimulate tourism by making it easier for visitors to explore destinations across Assam and West Bengal. Cultural hubs, heritage towns, and nature पर्यटन circuits along the route stand to benefit from increased accessibility.
Enhanced rail services also support economic growth by facilitating business travel and improving links between regional markets and metropolitan centres. Reduced travel times and reliable overnight options can strengthen trade, education, and workforce mobility across eastern India.
A Milestone for Indian Railways
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper marks a significant milestone in the modernization of India’s rail network. It reflects a broader vision of providing world-class rail services that are fast, comfortable, and inclusive. By extending the Vande Bharat concept to long-distance overnight routes, Indian Railways is addressing a long-standing gap in premium sleeper travel.
As preparations continue for the January 2026 launch, anticipation is building among passengers across the region. The new service promises not just a faster journey, but a more dignified and enjoyable way to travel overnight.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is poised to redefine rail travel between Guwahati and Kolkata, setting new standards for speed, comfort, and affordability. For eastern India, it signals the arrival of a modern rail future that connects regions more efficiently while keeping passengers at the heart of the journey.
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