Indian Railways is set to introduce the first Vande Bharat Sleeper Express between Guwahati and Kolkata, marking a major milestone in long-distance rail connectivity for the Northeast. Officials said the new service will significantly enhance overnight travel comfort and reduce journey time on the busy corridor.
The train, to be operated by the Northeast Frontier Railway, will run between Kamakhya Junction near Guwahati and Howrah Junction in Kolkata. It will be a fully air-conditioned sleeper train with modern amenities and is expected to begin operations later this month.
According to railway officials, the Vande Bharat Sleeper Express will have a 16-coach rake with accommodation for more than 800 passengers. The composition will include AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier and First Class AC coaches, offering multiple travel options. The train will feature ergonomically designed berths, improved suspension for a smoother ride, noise-reduction technology, automatic doors and a modern passenger information system.
Safety measures such as the Kavach automatic train protection system, emergency communication facilities and advanced driver cab features will also be part of the new trainset. Officials said special attention has been given to passenger safety, hygiene and accessibility, including facilities for differently-abled passengers.
The sleeper version of the Vande Bharat series is aimed at extending the benefits of the semi-high-speed train ecosystem to long-distance overnight journeys. Until now, Vande Bharat trains have largely been limited to daytime chair-car services.
Railway authorities said the introduction of the Guwahati–Kolkata Vande Bharat Sleeper Express is expected to boost connectivity, tourism and economic activity between the Northeast and eastern India. Details regarding the schedule, fare structure and stoppages will be announced soon.
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