Railways Announce Country’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Route; 180 kmph Semi-High-Speed Train to Debut in Jan 2026
In a landmark start to 2026, the Indian Railways has announced a major leap in rail technology and passenger comfort. Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, revealed on New Year’s Day that the nation’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is ready for operations and will run between Guwahati (Assam) and Howrah (West Bengal).
The announcement, made at Rail Bhawan in New Delhi, confirms that the rigorous trial, testing, and certification phases for the sleeper variant are complete. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is scheduled to officially flag off the inaugural run later this month.
वंदे भारत स्लीपर का कंप्लीट टेस्टिंग और सर्टिफिकेशन पूरा हो चुका है और इसका पहला रूट गुवाहाटी से कोलकाता होगा। माननीय प्रधानमंत्री श्री @narendramodi जी आगामी कुछ ही दिनों में इस रूट पर पहली वंदे भारत स्लीपर को फ्लैग ऑफ करेंगे: माननीय रेल मंत्री श्री @AshwiniVaishnaw जी pic.twitter.com/sTjlnqWj7A
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) January 1, 2026
A New Era of Overnight Travel
Designed for high-speed, long-distance journeys, the Vande Bharat Sleeper is set to redefine the overnight rail experience. Unlike the existing chair-car versions, this train is built for comfort during sleep, boasting a design speed of up to 180 kmph.
The train will consist of 16 coaches with a total capacity of 823 passengers, distributed as follows:
- 11 Three-tier AC coaches
- 4 Two-tier AC coaches
- 1 First-class AC coach
Regional Connectivity and Impact
The new service will provide a critical link between the Northeast and West Bengal, benefiting several districts including Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam, as well as Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal.
To enhance the travel experience, the Railways will offer region-specific culinary delights. Passengers departing from Guwahati can savor authentic Assamese cuisine, while those traveling from Howrah will be served traditional Bengali delicacies.
World-Class Features and Safety
Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that 2026 will be a year of “major reforms” for the railways. The Vande Bharat Sleeper introduces several technical and safety innovations:
- Advanced Safety: Fully integrated with KAVACH (India’s indigenous automatic train protection system) and featuring aerosol-based fire suppression systems.
- Superior Comfort: Newly designed bogies with advanced suspension for noise reduction and smoother rides.
- Ergonomics: Redesigned berths with improved cushioning and specially engineered ladders for easier access.
- Hygiene: Implementation of disinfectant technology to maintain high sanitation standards.
- Inclusivity: Special arrangements and facilities designed for Divyangjan (specially-abled) passengers.
नए सस्पेंशन के साथ पूरी तरह नई डिजाइन की बोगी तैयार की गई है। डिजाइन के पैरामीटर्स को एक नए स्तर पर ले जाया गया है। इसकी एर्गोनॉमिक डिजाइन वाले इंटीरियर्स और लैडर्स- हर जगह सेफ्टी और सिक्योरिटी के लिए विशेष पैरामीटर्स रखे गए हैं: माननीय रेल मंत्री श्री @AshwiniVaishnaw जी pic.twitter.com/K2bKvAhNuB
— Ministry of Railways (@RailMinIndia) January 1, 2026
Detailed Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train:
- 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
- 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
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The schedule is strategically planned for evening departures and early morning arrivals, ensuring that business travelers and tourists alike can save time and enjoy a high-quality, safe, and culturally enriched journey.
