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India’s first Vande Bharat sleeper class train will run on Guwahati-Kolkata route, to be launched by PM Modi

Vande Bharat Sleeper train launch: The train will have 16 coaches -- eleven 3-tier, four 2-tier, and one AC.

2 min readNew DelhiUpdated: Jan 1, 2026 07:47 PM IST

Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announces first Vande Bharat sleeper train from Guwahati to Kolkata. (Express Photo)

Vande Bharat Sleeper train launch: PM Modi is set to launch India’s first Vande Bharat Sleeper train this month. Speaking to reporters on Thursday (January 1, 2026), Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that the first train will be rolled out in the next 17-18 days. This new train is set to revolutionise the long- distance train routes in the country.

Also Read | Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train: Check launch date, route, stoppages, ticket price, food menu

Vande Bharat Sleeper train route

The first Vande Bharat Sleeper train will run between Guwhati and Kolkata. This will further strengthen the connectivity between North east India and West Bengal. The districts benefitted by the Howrah-Guwahati-Howrah Vande Bharat Sleeper train include Kamrup Metropolitan and Bongaigaon in Assam and Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly and Howrah in West Bengal.

Vande Bharat Sleeper train stoppages

During it’s Journey between Guwahati and Kolkata, the Vande bharat Sleeper train will stop at major stations including Bandel, Katha, Malda, New Farakka, New Jalpaiguri, New Coochbehar, New Bongaigaon etc.

Also Read | Vande Bharat Sleeper trains to cover 1,000–1,500 km routes; 12 trains set for launch in 2026

Vande Bharat Sleeper train coach

The Howrah-Guwahati Vande Bharat Sleeper train will have 16 coaches, including 11 three-tier AC coaches, 4 two-tier AC coaches, and 1 first-class AC coach, with a total capacity of around 823 passengers.

Vande Bharat Sleeper train details

Briefing media, Vaishnaw stated that a completely newly designed bogie with new suspension has been developed. “The design parameters have been taken to a new level. Its interiors and ladders feature an ergonomic design, with special parameters implemented throughout for safety and security,” he said.

He further added that the upcoming new variant of Vande Bharat will offer a comfortable, safe, and high-quality travel experience for overnight journeys.

“The timetable of the Vande Bharat Sleeper Train will be planned in such a way that it departs from its origin in the evening and reaches its destination early the next morning,” he said.

Anish Mondal

Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More

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