India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper train to be flagged off by PM Modi today
The Vande Bharat sleeper has a maximum speed of 180 kmph, and it will cover a distance of 958 km between Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati in just 14 hours.
New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the country’s first sleeper Vande Bharat train from Malda Town in West Bengal today, Saturday, 17 January 2026. The Vande Bharat sleeper has a maximum speed of 180 kmph, and it will cover a distance of 958 kilometres between Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati (Kamakhya) in just 14 hours.
Which cities will the train connect?
This sleeper train will directly benefit the Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon districts of Assam and the Cooch Behar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah districts of West Bengal, strengthening connectivity between the Northeast and Eastern India(BHARAT).
Total of 16 coaches
The Vande Bharat sleeper train will comprise a total of 16 coaches, including 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach. It will have a total passenger capacity of approximately 823 passengers, making long-distance overnight journeys comfortable.
Modern design and safety
A completely new bogie and suspension system have been developed for this train. Features such as ergonomic interiors, safe staircases, improved noise control, KAVACH system, CCTV cameras, emergency talk-back units, and advanced fire safety make it extremely safe.
Comfortable overnight journey
This semi-high-speed train will run at a design speed of up to 180 km/h. The timetable will be designed so that the train departs in the evening and reaches its destination the next morning, providing passengers with a comfortable and time-saving overnight journey.
Fare and food
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the fare for the Vande Bharat Sleeper has been kept significantly lower. The fare from Guwahati to Howrah is approximately Rs 2,300 for 3AC, Rs 3,000 for 2AC, and Rs 3,600 for First AC.
Special arrangements have been made for regional cuisine for the passengers. Assamese food will be served on the train departing from Guwahati and traditional Bengali cuisine on the train departing from Kolkata, making the journey culturally enriching as well.
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