India’s First Vande Bharat Sleeper Train Flagged Off: A New Era for Howrah-Guwahati Overnight Travel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today scripted a new chapter in Indian railway history by flagging off the nation’s first-ever Vande Bharat Sleeper train from Malda Town station in West Bengal. This landmark service, connecting the eastern metropolis of Howrah with Guwahati (Kamakhya), is designed to revolutionize long-distance overnight travel by offering airline-like comfort on tracks.

Strategic Launch and Inaugural Run
The Prime Minister, currently on a two-day visit to West Bengal and Assam, officially inaugurated the service this afternoon. While the regular route spans the 958 km distance between Howrah and Guwahati, the inaugural run today operated as a special service (Train No. 02075) from Malda Town to Kamakhya. Simultaneously, the return leg (Train No. 02076) was virtually flagged off from Kamakhya toward Howrah.

This launch is part of a broader infrastructure push, with the Prime Minister also dedicating rail and road projects worth over ₹3,250 crore to the nation. The introduction of the sleeper variant marks the evolution of the Vande Bharat platform from short-distance day trains to premium overnight “mobile hotels.”

Unmatched Speed and Modern Features
The Vande Bharat Sleeper is a semi-high-speed marvel capable of reaching speeds up to 180 km/h, though it will operate at a scheduled speed of 130 km/h. It significantly slashes the travel time between Howrah and Guwahati to just 14 hours, saving passengers nearly 3 hours compared to the fastest existing trains like the Saraighat Express.

Key Technical Specifications:

Coach Composition: The 16-coach train includes 11 AC Three-Tier, 4 AC Two-Tier, and 1 First Class AC coach, with a total capacity of 823 passengers.

Safety First: The train is fully equipped with Kavach, India’s indigenous Automatic Train Protection system, alongside CCTV surveillance and emergency talk-back units.

Enhanced Comfort: Features include ergonomically designed berths, advanced suspension to minimize vibrations, noise-reduction technology, and automatic inter-coach doors.

A Cultural Culinary Experience
In a unique move to celebrate regional heritage, Indian Railways has announced a specialized catering menu. Passengers traveling from Howrah will be served traditional Bengali delicacies, while those originating from Guwahati can enjoy authentic Assamese cuisine. This “regional plate” concept is expected to be a major highlight for tourists and regular commuters alike.

Impact on Connectivity
The new service will benefit several key districts, including Hooghly, Murshidabad, and Malda in West Bengal, as well as Bongaigaon in Assam. Beyond business and trade, it provides a seamless link between two major spiritual hubs—the Kalighat Temple in Kolkata and the Kamakhya Devi Temple in Guwahati. Regular commercial operations are scheduled to begin tomorrow, January 18, 2026, operating six days a week.