Howrah to Guwahati: Here’s how India’s 1st Vande Bharat sleeper train could transform travel experience

Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper

The Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper train service will run six days a week and connect two states: West Bengal and Assam. The train will be operated and maintained by the Northeast Frontier Railway (NFR) zone.

The Howrah-Kamakhya Vande Bharat train is set to boost regional mobility while promoting tourism and trade across the region. The route also offers a scenic journey as the train travels through the hilly areas.

How Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train could transform travel experience for passengers?

Here’s how Howrah-Guwahati-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train could redefine travel experience between eastern India and the Northeast:

• Less travel time

At present, the Kamrup Express is the fastest train on this route (via Bandel, Azimganj, Malda Town) taking 20 hours to cover the 966-km distance. However, with the introduction of the Vande Bharat Sleeper train, the travel time will be significantly reduced. This new premium train will complete the journey in just 14 hours, which will save precious time (nearly six hours).

• Additional train for North Bengal

As Bengalis are known for their love of travel, the introduction of the Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train offers them a new and attractive option during holidays and vacations. In the peak season, when demand for tickets to North Bengal soars and passengers often fails to secure berths on trains, the new Howrah-Guwahati-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected to prove beneficial. The train will generate 823 additional berths across the Third AC, Second AC and First AC daily.

• Time table

The time table of Howrah-Guwahati–Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train is another major factor, which is likely to increase demand for this service. From Howrah, the train will depart at 18:20 hrs and arrive at its destination at 08:20 hrs the next day. In the return direction, it will leave Kamakhya at 18:15 hrs and reach Howrah at 08:15 hrs the following morning, making it a suitable overnight option for travellers.

• More comfort than other trains

The new orange-and-grey coloured Vande Bharat Sleeper train comes with more advanced features than existing trains. This new train has an advanced safety and passenger-friendly technologies. The train incorporates modern disinfection technology to maintain high standards of sanitation and hygiene. The driver cab is fitted with advanced controls for precise and efficient operation, while its aerodynamic exterior design enhances energy efficiency and stability. The train has ergonomically designed berths with improved cushioning. It has special arrangements for Divyangjans.

• Boost to tourism

In addition, the Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train is expected offer a world-class rail travel between the ‘City of Joy’ and the ‘Gateway to the Northeast.’ As the train will pass through nine districts across two states: Howrah, Hooghly, Purba Bardhaman, Murshidabad, Malda, Jalpaiguri and Cooch Behar in West Bengal, and Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam – it will provide better access to popular destinations in Kolkata, Nabadweep Dham (birth place of Shri Chaitanya), Murshidabad, Malda, Cooch Behar, Darjeeling (passengers need to deboard at New Jalpaiguri and take other transport), Kamakhya and other key tourist sites.

• Safety

The train features the indigenous Automatic Train Protection system KAVACH, along with an emergency talk back system to ensure immediate communication in critical situations. Apart from these, the train has CCTV cameras on all coaches. Automatic exterior passenger doors further add to passenger safety and convenience.

Conclusion

Overall, India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train service is expected to emerge as a strong travel option for passengers commuting between Kolkata and Guwahati. It will offer shorter travel time compared to existing trains, advanced features, regional cuisine onboard, etc.