Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Booking Begins For India’s First High-Speed Night Service
Vande Bharat Sleeper Train: Booking Begins For India’s First High-Speed Night Service
Howrah–Guwahati route gets a new era of overnight travel with faster journey time and aircraft-like comfort
Indian Railways has taken another major step toward modernising long-distance travel with the launch of the country’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train. The high-speed, fully air-conditioned sleeper service was flagged off on January 17, marking a new chapter in overnight rail journeys. Bookings for the train have now begun, bringing great news for passengers who prefer fast, safe and comfortable night travel.
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is running between Howrah and Guwahati, a crucial corridor connecting eastern India with the Northeast. Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the train during a programme in Malda, West Bengal, where several major railway and road projects worth ₹3,250 crore were also inaugurated. At the same event, four new Amrit Bharat Express trains were launched on routes including New Jalpaiguri–Nagercoil–Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar–Bengaluru, and Alipurduar–Mumbai.
Calling the launch a milestone, Prime Minister Modi said, “Starting the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is a big step towards a modern India.” He added that expanding railway connectivity would make travel easier and strengthen links between different regions of the country. “With the expansion of railway services, West Bengal will now be better connected to western and southern India,” he said.
Currently, the Howrah–Guwahati rail journey takes around 18 hours. With the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train, this travel time is expected to be reduced by nearly two and a half hours. The train is designed to operate at speeds of up to 180 kilometres per hour, making it one of the fastest long-distance trains in India.
Railway officials have stated that after months of trials, technical upgrades, and feedback from prototype runs, the sleeper version of Vande Bharat is now fully ready for commercial operations. The move comes after the overwhelming response received by the chair-car Vande Bharat Express trains across the country. At present, around 150 Vande Bharat trains are already in service, and the sleeper version extends this success to overnight travel.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is specially designed for long-distance night journeys, offering facilities similar to those experienced in aircraft. The emphasis is on safety, speed, hygiene, and comfort. Each coach is equipped with modern interiors, automatic doors, improved lighting, and enhanced security systems.
The train will have a total of 16 coaches. These include 11 Third AC coaches, 4 Second AC coaches, and 1 First AC coach. In total, 823 passengers can travel on this train at one time. The berth distribution includes 611 berths in Third AC, 188 in Second AC, and 24 in First AC. The new ergonomic berth design aims to make long journeys less tiring and more relaxing for passengers.
One of the major highlights of the sleeper version is its focus on passenger comfort. The coaches feature improved suspension systems for smoother rides, better noise insulation, and advanced temperature control. Toilets have been redesigned for higher hygiene standards, and passenger information systems have been upgraded for real-time updates.
Railway officials say that this train is part of a broader plan to transform India’s long-distance rail travel. “After the massive success of the chair-car Vande Bharat trains, the sleeper version is a natural progression for long-haul routes,” officials noted during the launch.
The Prime Minister also interacted with passengers at Malda, discussing their travel experience and expectations from the new train. He expressed confidence that the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train would make overnight travel more convenient, faster, and safer.
With its modern design, higher speed, and premium facilities, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train is expected to become a preferred option for passengers who wish to cover long distances overnight without compromising on comfort. It bridges the gap between traditional sleeper trains and air travel by offering speed comparable to flights and the affordability of rail.
The launch signals a shift toward a more advanced railway network, focused on quality service and passenger satisfaction. As more routes are added in the future, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train could redefine long-distance rail travel across India, making night journeys faster, smoother, and significantly more comfortable.
