Prime Minister Narendra Modi has launched India’s first sleeper Vande Bharat train, connecting Kolkata (Howrah) with Guwahati (Kamakhya). The train was flagged off on January 17, 2026, from Malda, West Bengal. This overnight semi-high-speed service marks a new phase in modern rail travel, improving long-distance connectivity between eastern and northeastern India.
Why in News?
The first-ever Vande Bharat sleeper train has been launched. It connects Howrah and Guwahati, covering the journey overnight in about 14 hours.
About Vande Bharat Sleeper Train
- The Vande Bharat Sleeper is an upgraded version of the Vande Bharat Express, designed for long-distance overnight travel.
- Unlike chair-car Vande Bharat trains, this version includes sleeping berths similar to Rajdhani-class comfort but with modern interiors and faster travel.
- It is fully Made in India and reflects Indian Railways push towards self-reliance, modernization and passenger comfort.
- The sleeper version expands the Vande Bharat ecosystem beyond short routes to long inter-state journeys.
Route, Schedule and Key Features
- The sleeper Vande Bharat will run between Howrah and Kamakhya stations six days a week in both directions.
- It departs Howrah at 6:20 PM and Kamakhya at 6:15 PM, completing the journey in around 14 hours.
- The train features modern coaches, improved safety systems and enhanced interiors.
- According to the Railways, the service aims to provide faster, comfortable and reliable overnight travel for passengers moving between Bengal and Assam.
Cultural and Regional Significance
- While flagging off the train, PM Modi said it connects the land of Ma Kali with the land of Ma Kamakhya, symbolising cultural unity between West Bengal and Assam.
- The train is expected to boost tourism, trade and people to people movement.
- Union Railways Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that local cuisine from Bengal and Assam will be served onboard, adding a regional touch to the travel experience.
Other Trains Launched from West Bengal
- Along with the sleeper Vande Bharat, the Prime Minister also launched four Amrit Bharat Express trains.
- These include routes connecting New Jalpaiguri to Nagercoil, New Jalpaiguri to Tiruchirappalli, Alipurduar to Bengaluru (SMVT) and Alipurduar to Mumbai (Panvel).
- These trains aim to improve affordable long-distance connectivity from West Bengal to southern and western India.
Rail and Road Projects Worth ₹3,250 Crore
- At the same event, PM Modi laid the foundation stone for rail and road projects worth ₹3,250 crore.
- These include a new rail line between Balurghat and Hili, next-generation freight maintenance facilities at New Jalpaiguri, modernisation of loco sheds and Vande Bharat maintenance units, and four laning of the Dhupguri Falakata section of NH-31D. These projects aim to strengthen infrastructure in eastern India.
Facts About Vande Bharat Trains
- Vande Bharat trains are semi high speed trains introduced in 2019.
- They are manufactured in India under Make in India. So far, around 150 Vande Bharat trains operate across the country.
- The sleeper variant is designed for long-distance overnight routes.
Key Summary at a Glance
| Aspect | Details |
| Why in News? | India’s first sleeper Vande Bharat launched |
| Route | Howrah (Kolkata) – Kamakhya (Guwahati) |
| Journey Time | About 14 hours |
| Frequency | Six days a week |
| Launched By | PM Narendra Modi |
| Other Projects | Rail & road works worth ₹3,250 crore |
Question
Q. India’s first sleeper Vande Bharat train connects which two cities?
A. Delhi-Mumbai
B. Kolkata-Guwahati
C. Patna-Delhi
D. Chennai-Bengaluru
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