Indian Railways is set to launch the country’s first sleeper version of the Vande Bharat Express. Developed by BEML (Bharat Earth Movers Limited) using ICF (Integral Coach Factory) technology, the train is designed to make long-distance journeys convenient and relaxing.
The inaugural Vande Bharat Sleeper service is scheduled for mid-to-late January 2026 and will be flagged off by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the Guwahati-Howrah route.
The train will run between Guwahati (Kamakhya) in Assam and Howrah in West Bengal, covering around 1,200–1,500 km overnight. The route benefits multiple districts across Assam, North Bengal, and West Bengal, like Kamrup Metropolitan, Bongaigaon, Coochbehar, Jalpaiguri, Maldah, Murshidabad, Purba Bardhaman, Hooghly, and Howrah.
When will the train be launched? Two train sets are ready after successful trials, and eight more trains are planned by mid-2026, with a total of 12 by the end of the year.
Now let’s talk about its features. The train consists 16 fully air-conditioned coaches accommodating 823 passengers across different classes. It includes 11 AC 3-tier, 4 AC 2-tier, and 1 AC First Class coach, catering to varied passenger needs.
Designed for speeds of up to 180 kmph, the sleeper version has newly designed berths that offer improved comfort, privacy, and space for long overnight journeys.
The First AC coach boasts luxury amenities such as hot-water showers, modern interiors, and upgraded features. Passengers can look forward to USB charging ports, individual reading lights, CCTV cameras, display panels, and modular pantries.
Special berths and toilets have also been designed for differently-abled passengers, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility.
For safety, the train is equipped with KAVACH safety system, the latest anti-collision system, CCTV cameras, automatic doors, along with advanced fire safety mechanisms and a real-time communication network connecting loco pilots, train managers, and station masters.
Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirmed that the fares are fixed, targeting middle-class passengers. The 3AC fare is around Rs 2,300, 2AC is Rs 3,000, and 1AC is Rs 3,600, all inclusive of meals.
What’s in the menu? Passengers will enjoy regional cuisines, including Assamese and Bengali dishes, bundled into the base fare for all classes.
If you want to opt out, passengers will have the option to select ‘No Food’ option during IRCTC booking to reduce the fare slightly.
