India is set to introduce the Vande Bharat Sleeper trains, a new version of the Vande Bharat series designed specifically for long-distance, overnight travel. Until now, Vande Bharat trains have mostly operated as daytime, chair-car services. The sleeper variant marks an important shift by bringing modern, semi-high-speed comfort to night journeys.
First Service: Howrah se Kamakhya tak
The inaugural service, called the Howrah–Kamakhya Vande Bharat Sleeper Express, is scheduled to be flagged off on 17 January 2026 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi from Malda in West Bengal. Regular operations will begin right after, connecting Howrah (Kolkata) in West Bengal to Kamakhya (near Guwahati) in Assam — a distance of nearly 1,000 kilometres.
This train will run six days a week and cover the route in about 14 hours, significantly improving overnight rail travel between eastern India and the Northeast. The service will have AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and First AC sleeper classes, with all tickets confirmed in advance without waiting lists or RAC.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper trains will feature fully air-conditioned sleeper coaches with berths, similar in layout to existing premium sleeper trains but with more modern interiors, improved safety systems, and better ride quality. It is expected to include multiple classes such as AC 3-tier, AC 2-tier, and First AC, catering to different passenger needs.
The first service is planned to run on the eastern India route connecting Howrah in West Bengal with Kamakhya near Guwahati in Assam. This route is significant because it links mainland eastern India with the Northeast and is commonly used for overnight travel. The new train is expected to reduce travel time while offering a more comfortable alternative to traditional express trains.
Night Travel Ke Liye Specially Designed Train
The launch of the Vande Bharat Sleeper is part of a broader effort by Indian Railways to modernise long-distance rail travel. The goal is to provide faster, cleaner, and more reliable trains that can compete with road and air travel on busy routes.
The Vande Bharat Sleeper train is being seen as a major milestone in India’s rail journey. If successful, more such sleeper services are likely to be introduced on other long-distance routes across the country, gradually transforming how overnight train travel feels in India.
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