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Indian Railways is preparing to launch its first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train in January 2026, marking a big step forward in overnight long-distance rail travel. This new service will run between Howrah in West Bengal and Guwahati in Assam, offering a fast, comfortable, and modern alternative to traditional overnight trains
on this busy route. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to officially flag off the inaugural service in the second half of January.
Vande Bharat Trains
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is specially designed for long trips, combining the semi-high-speed technology of existing Vande Bharat trains with air-conditioned sleeper coaches so passengers can rest comfortably overnight. It will have 16 fully air-conditioned coaches with different accommodation classes, including AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and First AC, allowing around 823 passengers to travel at once. Indian Railways has completed the train's technical trials and safety checks, including high-speed tests, so it can run reliably and safely on this long route.
Vande Bharat Meals
Unlike many trains that charge variable fares, the sleeper service will have fixed ticket prices that include meals. Passengers travelling from Guwahati to Howrah will be served authentic Assamese food, while those going from Howrah to Guwahati will enjoy Bengali cuisine on board, giving travellers a regional taste experience during their journey.
New Vande Bharat Sleeper Trains
The new Vande Bharat Sleeper will improve travel between eastern India and the Northeast, connecting major districts and making journeys faster and more comfortable. It is expected to be a major upgrade over current overnight services, offering modern amenities, better comfort, and competitive fares that are generally lower than air travel on the same route.
This launch represents an important milestone in modernising India's railway network and expanding premium overnight connectivity across longer distances.
