Vande Bharat Sleeper trains launched! First Howrah-Guwahati service flagged off by PM Modi on Jan 17, 2026

faster, premium overnight journeys with AC coaches, modern amenities & reduced travel time. Check features, fares & why passengers are excited.

The excitement is electric across India as long-distance train travel gets a massive upgrade! Imagine sleeping soundly at high speeds, waking up refreshed in a modern, air-conditioned coach with world-class comfort – no more bumpy old sleepers. On January 17, 2026, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya), slashing journey time and bringing airline-like luxury to rail at affordable prices. Travelers are buzzing – this could change how millions experience overnight trips forever.
For years, overnight trains meant compromise on speed, comfort, and cleanliness. Now, Vande Bharat Sleeper promises jerk-free rides up to 160-180 km/h, premium berths, local cuisine, and top safety – making long hauls feel shorter and more enjoyable. Families, professionals, and tourists can’t wait to book.

Key Highlights:

Launch Date: January 17, 2026 – flagged off by PM Modi from Malda Town (inaugural run started same day)
First Route: Howrah (Kolkata) – Kamakhya (Guwahati), ~1000 km, reduced to just 14 hours (vs 17+ earlier)
Train Composition: 16 fully AC coaches – 11 AC 3-Tier, 4 AC 2-Tier, 1 AC First Class; capacity ~823 passengers
Schedule: Departs Howrah ~6:20 PM, arrives Kamakhya ~8:20 AM next day (6 days/week; no Wed from Guwahati, no Thu from Howrah)
Speed & Tech: Max design 180 km/h, operational ~160 km/h; Kavach safety system, automatic doors, CCTV, emergency communication.
Future Plans: 12 trains (6 rakes each side) by end-2026; more routes planned for long-distance corridors.

Vande Bharat Sleeper is a game-changer for Indian Railways – blending speed, safety, and comfort to make overnight travel exciting again. If you hate long, tiring journeys or want a modern upgrade over old Rajdhanis, this is it. Book soon once regular services expand – it’s set to transform how India travels long-distance. A big win for passengers craving better rail experiences.

FAQs:
When was the first Vande Bharat Sleeper train launched in India?
The first Vande Bharat Sleeper was flagged off by PM Narendra Modi on January 17, 2026, with inaugural run on Howrah-Kamakhya (Guwahati) route.

How many coaches and passenger capacity in Vande Bharat Sleeper train?
The train has 16 fully air-conditioned coaches: 11 AC 3-Tier, 4 AC 2-Tier, 1 AC First Class, with total capacity of around 823 passengers.

What are the features of Vande Bharat Sleeper trains?
Features include high-speed (up to 180 km/h design), Kavach safety, automatic doors, bio-vacuum toilets with showers in 1AC, cushioned berths, local cuisine, CCTV, charging points, and pet-friendly options.

What are the ticket fares and booking rules for Vande Bharat Sleeper?
Fares range ~₹2300 (AC 3-Tier) to ₹3600 (AC 1st Class) one-way on first route; only confirmed tickets, no RAC, stricter cancellation (up to 50% charge or no refund <8 hrs before departure).