New Year gift for rail passengers! PM Modi to flag off first Vande Bharat sleeper in January — all details
New Delhi/IBNS: In a New Year gift, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on Thursday announced the first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper Train which will operate between Guwahati in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal.
In January, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will flag off the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train on this route.
The minister stated that this development represents a significant milestone for Indian Railways, the nation, and its rail passengers.
He also mentioned that 2026 will be a year of major reforms for Indian Railways, with several passenger-centric initiatives set to be introduced.
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
The districts benefited by the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam State, and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Malda, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah in West Bengal State.
The train will have 16 coaches , including 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach , with a total capacity of around 823 passengers.
Vaishnaw stated that a completely newly designed bogie with new suspension has been developed.
The design parameters have been taken to a new level. Its interiors and ladders feature an ergonomic design, with special parameters implemented throughout for safety and security.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will offer a comfortable, safe, and high-quality travel experience for overnight journeys.
The timetable of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be planned in such a way that it departs from its origin in the evening and reaches its destination early the next morning.
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
Train originating from Guwahati will feature authentic Assamese cuisine , while the train starting from Kolkata will serve traditional Bengali delicacies, ensuring a delightful and culturally rich dining experience on board.
Features of Vande Bharat Sleeper Train:
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Semi-high-speed train with design speed up to 180 kmph
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Ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning
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Automatic doors with vestibules for smooth movement
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Enhanced ride comfort with superior suspension and noise reduction
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Fitted with Kavach
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Disinfectant technology to maintain high sanitation
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Driver cab with advanced controls and safety systems
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Aerodynamic exterior looks & Automatic exterior passenger doors
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Special arrangements for Divyangjans
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Emergency talk-back unit for communication between Passenger and Train Manager/Loco Pilot in case of emergency.
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CCTVs in all coaches
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Improved fire safety Aerosol based fire detection and suppression system in electrical cabinets and lavatories
IBNS
Senior Staff Reporter at Northeast Herald, covering news from Tripura and Northeast India.
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