In a major New Year boost for rail passengers, Indian Railways is set to usher in a new era of overnight travel with the launch of the first Vande Bharat sleeper train. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that the much-awaited sleeper version of the semi-high-speed Vande Bharat will be rolled out this month, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi expected to flag it off in the second half of January 2026.

Designed for long-distance and overnight journeys, the Vande Bharat sleeper train marks a significant expansion of India’s flagship train programme beyond chair car services. Fully air-conditioned and engineered for higher speeds, the new trainsets promise to cut travel times while offering airline-like comfort on rail. Two rakes have already completed successful trial runs, and the national transporter plans to operate these trains on long-haul routes spanning roughly 1,200 to 1,500 kilometres.

Guwahati-Kolkata Route

The first Vande Bharat sleeper train will operate between Guwahati and Kolkata, connecting the Northeast more swiftly with eastern India. The service will run between Howrah and Guwahati (Kamakhya), a busy corridor currently dominated by conventional long-distance expresses that often take 16–20 hours travel time.

According to Indian Railways, the route will benefit several districts across Assam and West Bengal.

– Assam: Kamrup Metropolitan, Bongaigaon

– West Bengal: Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah

Railway officials note that station stops and service patterns have been finalised based on boarding data and route optimisation studies.

Each Vande Bharat sleeper train will have 16 coaches, configured to carry 823 passengers. The rake composition includes 11 AC three-tier coaches, four AC two-tier coaches and one AC first-class coach. With this mix, Indian Railways is aiming to cater to a wide range of travellers, from budget-conscious passengers to those seeking premium overnight comfort.

One-way fares on the Guwahati–Kolkata route:

– AC three-tier: Rs 2,300

– AC two-tier: Rs 3,000

– AC first class: Rs 3,600

Speed capability and Trial Performance Data

The Vande Bharat sleeper is engineered for semi-high-speed operations, with extensive testing conducted before its commercial launch.

Key performance metrics from trials include:

– Design speed: 160 kmph

– Maximum trial speed achieved: 180 kmph

– Successful high-speed runs on the Kota-Nagda section

– Stability demonstration showing zero water spillage from glasses at 180 kmph

According to Ashwini Vaishnaw, the trials validated ride stability, braking performance and passenger comfort at high speeds. Actual operational speeds will depend on route-specific track and signalling infrastructure.

Expansion plans signal rapid scale-up in 2026

The Guwahati-Kolkata service is only the beginning. Ashwini Vaishnaw has stated that eight more Vande Bharat sleeper trains will be rolled out over the next six months, taking the total to 12 by the end of the year. This phased expansion indicates the government’s intent to quickly scale up sleeper services on other high-demand long-distance corridors.

Indian Railways sees the sleeper variant as a crucial part of its broader modernisation push. While the Vande Bharat chair car trains have already become a familiar sight on daytime routes, the sleeper version opens the door to transforming overnight travel, traditionally dominated by ageing coaches and slower schedules. If the initial services prove successful, more routes across north, south and central India could soon be added.

Built for overnight comfort and modern rail travel

The Vande Bharat sleeper is essentially the sleeping-class counterpart of the chair car services already operating across the country, but with several design upgrades tailored for night journeys. Inspired by European train standards, the coaches feature cushioned berths, improved access to upper berths and layouts that make movement easier for passengers during overnight travel.

Onboard facilities include soft night-time lighting, integrated public address systems with visual information displays, CCTV surveillance and modular pantry units. The train is equipped with advanced bio-vacuum toilets similar to those used in aircraft, along with toilets designed for persons with disabilities. A baby care area and shower facilities with hot water are available in the air-conditioned first-class coach.

Safety and efficiency have also been prioritised. The sleeper version will be fitted with the indigenous KAVACH anti-collision system and regenerative braking technology to improve energy efficiency. Fully sealed gangways and automated inter-coach doors help maintain stable cabin temperatures and better air quality, while automated doors will operate at designated stations.

Manufacturing Push Underlines Long-term Vision

At present, two prototype rakes of the Vande Bharat sleeper train have been produced by BEML. Looking ahead, Indian Railways has ambitious plans to roll out more than 200 sleeper trainsets in the coming years. BEML is jointly producing 10 sleeper sets with the Integral Coach Factory, while another batch of 10 is being built by Kinet, a joint venture involving Indian and Russian partners.

In addition, a consortium led by Titagarh Rail Systems along with BHEL has secured an order to manufacture 80 sleeper-class trainsets, and the Integral Coach Factory is also developing its own sleeper configuration as an internal project. Together, these initiatives signal a determined push to modernise long-distance rail travel in India.

As the first Vande Bharat sleeper prepares to roll out this month, expectations are high. For millions of passengers accustomed to long overnight journeys, the new train promises a faster, safer and far more comfortable way to travel, potentially reshaping how India experiences rail journeys after dark.

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