West Bengal – Indian Railways’ first Vande Bharat sleeper train, scheduled to operate between Assam’s Guwahati and West Bengal’s Howrah, is set to be inaugurated on Saturday, January 17, by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This landmark development represents a significant milestone for Indian Railways, its passengers, and the nation as a whole, according to Union minister of railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. The Vande Bharat sleeper train will run on the 958-kilometer-long Howrah-Kamakhya (Guwahati) route, connecting crucial economic and cultural centers in eastern India.
West Bengal’s leadership confirmed the inauguration details on Monday, emphasizing that the Vande Bharat sleeper train would significantly boost connectivity over the northern districts of West Bengal. This new service aims to revolutionize long-distance rail travel by combining the comfort of sleeper accommodations with the speed and modern amenities associated with the Vande Bharat brand.
Enhanced Regional Connectivity Across Multiple Districts
The Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat sleeper train will connect key districts in both Assam and West Bengal, serving as a vital transportation link for millions of passengers. In Assam, the train will serve Kamrup metropolitan and Bongaigaon districts, while in West Bengal, it will connect Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah districts. This comprehensive coverage ensures that the Vande Bharat sleeper train will benefit a vast geographical area spanning multiple administrative regions.
Railway officials have confirmed that the train will operate on the 958-kilometer route, providing an efficient alternative for passengers currently using conventional sleeper trains or other modes of transportation. The Vande Bharat sleeper train is expected to reduce travel time significantly while offering superior comfort and amenities compared to existing services.
Coach Configuration and Passenger Capacity
The Vande Bharat sleeper train will feature a total of 16 coaches designed to accommodate different passenger preferences and budgets. The configuration includes 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach, with a combined capacity of approximately 823 passengers. This thoughtful distribution of coach types ensures that the Vande Bharat sleeper train can serve diverse passenger segments while maintaining high occupancy rates.
The newly designed bogies incorporate advanced design parameters and improved suspension systems to enhance passenger comfort during the long journey. The interior features an ergonomic design with special parameters implemented throughout for safety and security, ensuring that the Vande Bharat sleeper train meets the highest standards of modern rail travel.
Culinary Offerings and Regional Cuisine
A unique feature of the Vande Bharat sleeper train is its region-specific culinary offerings that celebrate local food cultures. Passengers will be able to enjoy authentic Assamese cuisine when the train originates from Guwahati, while traditional Bengali delicacies will be served when the journey commences from Kolkata. This attention to regional preferences demonstrates Indian Railways’ commitment to providing a culturally enriching travel experience on the Vande Bharat sleeper train.
The catering service aims to go beyond standard railway food offerings by incorporating authentic regional recipes and ingredients, making the dining experience an integral part of the journey rather than merely a functional necessity.
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Advanced Safety and Technology Features
The Vande Bharat sleeper train incorporates cutting-edge safety and convenience features that set it apart from conventional trains. Automatic doors with vestibules facilitate smooth movement between coaches, while the Kavach anti-collision technology provides an additional layer of safety. The train also includes an emergency talk-back system for rapid communication during emergencies and special arrangements designed specifically for physically challenged passengers.
Security features on the Vande Bharat sleeper train include CCTV cameras installed in all coaches, ensuring passenger safety throughout the journey. These comprehensive safety measures reflect Indian Railways’ commitment to providing a secure travel environment for all passengers.
Comprehensive Fare Structure Details
The fare structure for the Vande Bharat sleeper train has been carefully designed to remain competitive while reflecting the premium services offered. In the Third AC (3AC) category, passengers traveling from Howrah to Kamakhya will pay ₹2,299, from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri ₹1,334, and from Howrah to Malda Town ₹960.
For Second AC (2AC) category, the Vande Bharat sleeper train fare from Howrah to Kamakhya is set at ₹2,970, from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri ₹1,724, and from Howrah to Malda Town ₹1,240. First AC (1AC) category passengers will pay ₹3,640 from Howrah to Kamakhya, ₹2,113 from Howrah to New Jalpaiguri, and ₹1,520 to Malda Town.
Between Kamakhya and Malda Town, the Vande Bharat sleeper train fare in Third AC category is ₹1,522, in Second AC ₹1,965, and in First AC ₹2,409. Between Kamakhya and New Jalpaiguri, the Third AC fare is ₹962, Second AC ₹1,243, and First AC ₹1,524.
Minimum Distance and Tax Considerations
For fare determination on this premium Vande Bharat sleeper train, Indian Railways has established a minimum distance requirement of 400 kilometers. Additionally, passengers must pay 5 percent GST on the ticket fare, which is standard for premium train services. According to a January 9 circular, the Vande Bharat sleeper train will drop the reservation against cancellation (RAC) system option from its ticket booking system, representing a significant change in booking procedures for this service.
