New Delhi Chronicle Mews Bureau
New Delhi | January 1
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to inaugurate India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, marking a significant milestone in the modernisation of long-distance rail travel in the country, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced.
The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express has completed all mandatory trials and safety checks, paving the way for commercial operations. The Prime Minister is expected to flag off the train in the coming weeks, with the inaugural service likely to commence by mid-January.
Designed for Long-Distance Overnight Travel
Unlike the existing Vande Bharat trains that operate on chair-car configurations for daytime journeys, the sleeper variant is specifically designed for overnight travel across distances exceeding 1,000 kilometres. The inaugural route between Guwahati and Kolkata (Howrah) is expected to significantly improve rail connectivity between the Northeast and eastern India.
The train will consist of 16 fully air-conditioned coaches, including 11 AC 3-tier coaches, four AC 2-tier coaches and one First AC coach, with a total passenger capacity of around 823 travellers.
Affordable Fares with Modern Amenities
The Railway Ministry has indicated that ticket prices will be competitively priced to attract passengers seeking a comfortable alternative to air travel. Estimated fares are expected to be around ₹2,300 for AC 3-tier, ₹3,000 for AC 2-tier, and ₹3,600 for First AC, with meals included as part of the service.
Officials have underlined that these fares are considerably lower than average airfares on the Guwahati–Kolkata sector, making the sleeper train a cost-effective and comfortable option for long-distance travellers.
Successful High-Speed Trials Completed
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train recently completed final high-speed trials under the supervision of railway safety authorities, achieving speeds of up to 180 kmph. The trials assessed ride quality, braking systems, passenger safety, and operational stability, all of which met the required standards.
The train is equipped with advanced safety features, modern suspension systems, ergonomic sleeper berths, and enhanced passenger comfort facilities aimed at providing a smooth overnight journey.
More Sleeper Trains Planned
Railway officials have indicated that this is just the beginning of the sleeper version rollout. Several more Vande Bharat sleeper train sets are expected to be introduced across major long-distance routes in the coming years as part of Indian Railways’ broader modernisation plan.
The introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to redefine overnight rail travel in India by combining speed, safety, comfort and affordability.
